For years, breast augmentation has held the title of the most common plastic surgery procedure. While it’s still one of the most popular choices, we’ve seen a rise in facial cosmetic surgeries and other body contouring procedures in 2021 and, so far, into 2022.

What the Numbers Say

In 2020, amidst the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, over $9 billion dollars was spent on aesthetic procedures, both non-surgical and surgical. In just the first six months of 2021, nearly the same amount of money was spent on procedures.

WHY THE INCREASE?

Throughout 2020 and 2021, many patients had to postpone their surgeries during shut-downs within the industry. When the opportunity arose to once again meet with a doctor and discuss surgical options, patients jumped at the chance. Additionally, the industry saw patients reallocating their money, such as funds previously set aside for traveling, to cosmetic procedures instead. 

So what does it look like the trends with staying power will be for cosmetic surgery in 2022?

2022 Cosmetic Surgery Trends

First of all, a big trend we’re seeing in 2022 when it comes to cosmetic procedures is that more men are trying it out. Breast augmentation continues to be popular, as does combining multiple procedures in one surgery.

More Men Seeking Consultations

Whether it’s hair restoration, laser facial treatments for skin rejuvenation, or facial plastic surgery, it’s continually becoming more mainstream for men to participate.  Liposuction, gynecomastia, and blepharoplasty have always been popular treatments for men, and continue to be well into 2022.

MOST POPULAR PLASTIC SURGERIES FOR MEN (based on 2021 data)

  • Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)
  • Blepharoplasty (eyelid lift)
  • Brow Lift
  • Chin and Jaw Implants
  • Dermal Fillers
  • Fat Grafting
  • Gynecomastia (breast tissue reduction)
  • Liposuction
  • Platysmaplasty (neck lift)
  • Rhinoplasty (nose job)
  • Rhytidectomy (facelift)

Dermal Microcoring

Also known as micro-needling, this practice is becoming more popular in 2022. It’s the process of using a needling device to poke tiny holes in the skin (less than half a millimeter in diameter). Areas of focus include the face, and it is intended to tighten skin while also stimulating collagen production and increasing elasticity. Taking less than 30 minutes and being an outpatient procedure, it’s easy to see why dermal micro-needling is gaining in popularity.

Body Contouring

It’s normal to have seen our bodies change during the last few years, what with many of us switching to working from home, juggling digital school for our children, and having different opportunities for socializing and exercising. As a result, body contouring is becoming a more popular procedure in 2022. 

Liposuction isn’t the only procedure that has seen a spike in 2022; other methods for body contouring, such as Barr’s Emsculpt Neo, are used to reduce fat and increase muscle in targeted treatment areas. Radiofrequency and high-intensity electromagnetic energy sculpting is a non-surgical option for body contouring that’s on the rise.

Ear Pinning

Perhaps the years of wearing masks have made ears more noticeable, hence the increase in ear pinning and other ear-related plastic surgery procedures. We’ve all spent more time looking at ourselves in virtual meetings, too, which has given us greater awareness of how our ears frame either side of our face. Whatever the cause, ear pinning, also known as otoplasty, has been more popular in 2022 than in years past. 

At Barr Aesthetics, we not only offer otoplasty, but we can repair damage to earlobes caused by piercings or gauging.

Eyelid Surgery

Whether it’s being sought out due to the natural tendency of skin to sag or due to an injury, eyelid surgery is gaining in popularity. Upper and/or lower eyelids can be surgically altered to open the eyes for a more youthful appearance, as well as for improving sight.

Rhinoplasty

Nose reshaping through surgery seems to be a mainstay in the world of aesthetics. It will always be a popular option for anyone who wants to change the appearance of their nose or improve their breathing. Additionally, non-surgical procedures via the use of dermal fillers for manipulating the look of the nose are becoming more popular in 2022.  

Combining Procedures

As board-certified plastic surgeons make use of better technology in their offices, patients are benefits from being able to combine multiple offerings in one surgery. In 2022, there’s been a rise in combining procedures, especially after waiting through 2020 and 2021. Some patients undergo what’s commonly known as a “Mommy Makeover” once they’re done with the pregnancy and/or breastfeeding phase of their lives. It varies based on individual consultation with a doctor, but a Mommy Makeover may include the following procedures, to be done together:

  • Brazilian Butt Lift
  • Breast Augmentation or Lift
  • Labiaplasty
  • Liposuction
  • Tummy Tuck

Although a procedure is becoming popular and more prevalent, it doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for you. Be sure you schedule a consultation with your doctor before deciding on anything. At Barr Aesthetics, our goal is always to enhance the way you look and feel, no matter what’s trending.