Notable Increase in Cosmetic Surgery After the Pandemic

Survey finds demand for cosmetic surgery, driven by women under 45, increased after pandemic

Despite the economic climate, 3/4 of plastic surgeons report an increase in demand, and 30% say their business has at least doubled

After the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic, a new national survey called ASPS Inaugural Trends and Outlook Report: Cosmetic Surgery 2022 finds that many Americans are now investing in themselves through cosmetic procedures, despite an uncertain economy . The American Society of Plastic Surgeons surveyed member surgeons nationwide and found that more than three-quarters of cosmetic-focused plastic surgery practices are seeing more business than before the pandemic, with nearly 30 percent reporting that his business has at least doubled.

“With COVID, we prepared for the worst. But when we were able to reopen our office, we were pleasantly surprised by the incredible increase in demand for our cosmetic services, both surgical and non-invasive,” said Bob Basu, MD, board-certified plastic surgeon in Houston and vice president of the board of finance at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. “Now that we hope that the worst is over and that people are traveling again and returning to normal life, I initially thought we would see some of that demand drop, and that has not been the case. “In fact, we are still seeing very high demand.”

Basu says there are a variety of reasons behind the increase in demand. For many patients, the COVID shutdowns and the ability to work from home gave them the time they needed to heal, without disrupting their normal, busy routine. Others say the money saved on trips and dining out during the pandemic allowed them to invest in themselves.

“COVID changed everything. Nobody was traveling, vacations were cancelled. So I think a lot of families and patients had a lot more disposable income. And so, they found out that this is the right time to do a cosmetic plastic surgery procedure,” Basu said.

The survey also found that women between the ages of 31 and 45 were by far the most likely to request popular procedures such as breast augmentation, liposuction and abdominoplasty. Basu says millennials are not only knowledgeable about their options, but they are also more open about their choice to undergo plastic surgery than previous generations.

“ Millennials are very sophisticated in terms of getting the information they want. They share their experiences with others through social media platforms or other methods. And so, these procedures are no longer taboo, they are actually relatable and accessible,” Basu said. “Due to this open exchange, patients are also well aware of the procedures of interest. And then it really allows us to have a really productive discussion about your options.”

Megan Gilbert, 35, was one of those millennials who investigated. When the pandemic put a halt to her young family’s busy lifestyle, they took the opportunity to focus on her health. But after a twenty-five pound weight loss, Gilbert still had some insecurities when looking in the mirror.

“After breastfeeding two children and losing weight, my breasts no longer looked the way I wanted them to,” she said. "And I thought, ’Why be unhappy with this part of my body after working so hard to make all these other improvements in my life?’ A friend referred Gilbert to Dr. Basu, who worked with her to find the correct size and type of breast implant. At the same time as her breast augmentation, he performed a breast lift to give her the look and shape she wanted. I wanted.

“I couldn’t be happier with the results. Getting that confidence back and feeling better about myself resonates with every part of my life, including my family,” Gilbert said. “I want my kids to be happy and secure in their life and who they are, and if they don’t see that in me, it’s hard for them to see it in themselves.”

While the rise in cosmetic procedures may be driven by women under 45, Basu says she is seeing more patients of all age and gender groups who are interested in procedures to help them look and feel their best. .

“We see ourselves on a computer screen much more often and are much more conscious of our appearance. And for many people, that makes them recognize that they may want to look a little younger or appear less tired, which has also led to an increase in facial and neck procedures,” Basu said. “I think something has happened in terms of cultural values ​​around aesthetics and wellness in this country that we haven’t seen before. And I think people are recognizing that it’s okay to do something for themselves.”

The survey found that more than 40 percent of plastic surgeons report longer wait times between consultation and surgery than before the pandemic, so experts encourage anyone considering a cosmetic procedure to plan ahead as much as possible. as possible. The first step is always to find a board-certified plastic surgeon who is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. This ensures that the surgeon is not only highly trained and experienced, but also employs the highest ethical and safety guidelines.