AAFPRS Annual Survey Shows Demand for Facial Plastic Surgery Increased in 2021

Facial plastic surgery comprises diverse procedures such as facelift surgery, cheek augmentation, brow lift, facial implants, neck liposuction, blepharoplasty and reconstructive procedures. With natural-looking results, fewer risks, and minimal downtime, non-surgical face lift options such as EVOKE face treatment in Manhattan, NYC have gained popularity in recent times. The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), the world’s largest association of facial plastic surgeons, released its 2021 member survey outcomes in February 2022. The survey found that, 2021 saw an increase in the demand for facial plastic surgery and aesthetic procedures as in-person events and face-to-face socialization resumed.

The total number of surgical and non-surgical facial plastic surgery treatments performed rose dramatically in 2021. The report estimated 1.4 million surgical and non-surgical procedures have been done in the past year, with plastic surgeons performing an average of 600 more procedures than they did in 2020, a 40 percent increase.

Other key findings are –

Increase in Appointments

• 83% AAFPRS surgeons saw an increase in bookings over the course of the last year (up from 70% from 2020)
• Surgical procedures (facelift, blepharoplasty) are the most common procedures performed, but the demand for non-surgical treatments grew as well
• 92% AAFPRS members say that the reason for increase in appointments is because patients have had more time and flexibility to recover from treatments since many are still working from home or now have a hybrid workplace option
• According to 89 percent of respondents, the enduring “ZOOM Effect” has factored in as well, as has the money-saving benefits of staying-in have resulted in more disposable income
• 83% AAFPRS members say 75% or more of their work is facial plastic surgery, up from 75% of surgeons reporting on the trend in 2020
• 79% facial plastic surgeons identify patients seeking procedures for an improved appearance on video conferencing as a rising trend, compared to only 16 percent the previous year

Lifts & Lasers

• Lip lifts were performed by seven out of 10 doctors, which show that the patients are now considering longer-lasting and more natural-looking options
• At least 70% of AAFPRS members performed lip lifts in 2021. In the procedure, the distance between the upper lip and nose is shortened, giving lips a fuller, more youthful appearance.
• Demand for facelifts, neck lifts and brow lifts are also significantly up from previous years
• The demand for laser treatments also rose over 10 percent from 2020, indicating that a naturally healthy, clear and even-toned skin remains a patient priority

By Age and Gender

• Patients age 56 or older represent a lower percentage of overall procedures in 2021, perhaps due to concerns about COVID-19
• Women continue to be the most likely patients for facial plastic surgery, but the industry is slowly becoming more balanced
• Blepharoplasty and neurotoxins are trending towards more balance between genders

Top Procedures

The top procedures performed most often on women in 2021 include

• neurotoxins (63 percent)

The top procedures for male patients are

• neurotoxins (58 percent)
• blepharoplasty (42 percent)

Whatever procedures you undergo, the right plastic surgeon in Manhattan, NYC can help you achieve optimal results. According to Steve Jurich, CEO and Executive Vice President of the AAFPRS, “Finding the right, most qualified, physician to perform any procedure should ALWAYS be a patient’s first priority. When considering a facial plastic surgery procedure, the AAFPRS recommends selecting a surgeon specifically trained in procedures of the face, head, and neck.