AAFPRS Releases Annual Survey Results

The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) has released its 2022 member survey outcomes. The data reveals that, like 2021, there was an increase in demand for facial plastic surgery and cosmetic treatments. In fact, 58 percent of AAFPRS facial plastic surgeons report an increase in bookings and treatments over the past year, with more than 75 percent indicating they have seen a bump of more than 10 percent in patient demand. “As people returned to the office and eased back into the routine of daily life without quarantine, interest for elective surgeries and non-invasive tweakments remains high,” says Theda Kontis, M.D., president of AAFPRS. “In 2022, our members continued to see the impact of the Zoom Boom, with 79 percent of respondents pointing to the Zoom Effect as a major contributing factor in patients’ desire to seek treatment.” A second source of motivation, following closely behind the Zoom Effect at 60 percent, was an increase in disposable income. “Many patients reported spending money saved during the pandemic on cosmetic procedures,” says Kontis.

According to the new data, 82 percent of the total number of procedures performed in 2022 were minimally invasive, with the three most common being neurotoxins, fillers, and topicals like chemical peels. The top three surgical procedures were facelifts, blepharoplasties, and rhinoplasties. Also, sharp, prominent cheekbones are popular, with 15 percent of facial plastic surgeons 

reporting an increase in buccal fat removal to achieve a slimmer facial appearance. Consistent with 2021, close to 75 percent of facial plastic surgeons report increases in the number of patients under 30 years old requesting cosmetic surgery or injectables. But prejuvenation and low-to-no downtime is still top of mind for younger age groups; 78 percent of AAFPRS members believe there will be a greater emphasis on earlier maintenance starting in the 20s to 30s to prevent the need for bigger procedures and surgeries later. In fact, this year’s survey indicates that surgical procedure activity sees significant increase once patients reach the 35- to 55-year-old age group. However, whether patients are considering significant surgery or a trendy tweakment, choosing a qualified surgeon is a non-negotiable. “Finding the right, most qualified, physician to perform any procedure is priority number-one,” says Steve Jurich, CEO and executive vice president of the AAFPRS. “Always select a surgeon specifically trained in procedures of the face, head, and neck and make sure the physician is qualified, experienced and board-certified in the procedure you want.”