The 2022 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report was released at the end of September by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). ASPS is the largest organization of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world. With more than 8,000 members, the Society is recognized as a leading authority and information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery.
The comprehensive report highlights the real choices patients made guided in consultation with their plastic surgeons. It’s packed full of interesting data and plastic surgery statistics. We’ve reviewed report and are sharing some of the top takeaways, starting with the Top 5 Cosmetic Surgical Procedures for 2022.
Top 5 Cosmetic Surgical Procedures for 2022
1. Liposuction
Liposuction holds the top spot for the second release in a row. Liposuction sculpts the body by removing excess fat from specific areas, including the abdomen, hips, thighs, butt, arms, back or neck, to improve contouring creating a more proportionate appearance. Liposuction removes stubborn, unwanted fat that diet and exercise can’t eliminate.
2. Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation remains one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures, again making the Top 5. This procedure enhances the size and shape of breasts using implants to correct small, uneven or disproportionate breasts. Breast augmentation has been one of the most popular cosmetic procedures since 2006.
3. Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Tummy tucks continue to be a favorite procedure, grabbing a spot in the Top 5 for a second year. The abdominal area is tightened and reshaped with this surgery to improve waist- line definition and give a slimmer appearance. A tummy tuck can help transform loose or sagging skin, eliminate excess fat deposits and tighten abdominal muscles.
4. Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
Breast lifts made a reappearance in the Top 5 for the second time in a row. This procedure repositions the breasts to reduce sagging, low volume and downward-pointing nipples. It does not change the size of the breasts but can help improve symmetry and create a more balanced appearance. It often includes combination procedures like mommy makeovers.
5. Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
Eyelid surgery returns to the Top 5 this year. Eyelid surgery removes excess skin, fat or muscle from the upper or lower eyelids (sometimes both) to reduce droopiness or puffiness around the eyes, making them appear refreshed.
Overall Trends: Plastic Surgery Statistics
Since the onset of the pandemic, plastic surgery has experienced a significant surge in demand, as illustrated by the 2022 procedural statistics compared to 2019. Cosmetic surgery procedures have grown by 19%, with body-focused surgeries such as liposuction, tummy tucks, and body lifts seeing a 25% increase. This rise resulted in 576,485 such procedures in 2022, almost mirroring the 575,492 breast surgeries performed, which include breast augmentation, lifts, and reductions, marking a 15% growth since 2019.
Meanwhile, facial surgeries grew by 18%, totaling 346,384. The trend towards facelifts, in particular, saw a boost, perhaps due to increased virtual interactions during the pandemic and the reflection of one’s image more frequently. The phenomenon of “Ozempic-face” emerged due to rapid weight loss from medications, leading to more pronounced signs of facial aging, a trend the American Society of Plastic Surgeons is closely observing.
Body-centric procedures remained a prominent choice post-pandemic, as many individuals turned to the gym or sought weight loss medications to combat pandemic-related weight gain. Plastic surgery became an instrumental solution for refining the effects of rapid weight loss or addressing areas resistant to exercise. Notably, liposuction topped the cosmetic procedure list in 2022, witnessing a 23% growth since 2019. Breast augmentation and lifts also retained their popularity, with breast augmentation procedures totaling 298,568 in 2022.
Minimally invasive procedures experienced a renaissance, with neuromodulator injections and dermal fillers leading the charge, seeing nearly a two-fold increase since 2019. As face masks became a common sight, the focus shifted to the eyes, leading to a surge in eyelid surgeries. And as pandemic-era masks came off, there was a noted rise in lip augmentation treatments, with a remarkable 1,378,631 performed in 2022 alone. This is thought to be significantly influenced by social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
It’s Your Journey
In the ever-evolving world of aesthetics, trends and fads can be tempting to follow. However, it’s crucial to remember that your body is unique, and what works for one person might not necessarily suit another. While it’s interesting to keep abreast of the latest cosmetic procedures and trends, the most important factor should always be what feels right for you.
Before making any decisions, consult with a licensed plastic surgeon who can provide expert guidance tailored to your individual needs and desires. If you’re in the Chicago area, our team at Bloom Plastic Surgery is more than ready to assist. We are passionate about helping individuals navigate their aesthetic journey, ensuring that every step is in alignment with their personal goals and well-being. Schedule a consultation.