Trends in Cosmetic Procedures: 2020 National Plastic Surgery Statistics

Unsurprisingly, 2020 was a strange year for most industries, including plastic surgery. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons has released their annual report on cosmetic procedure statistics, including the overall number of procedures performed. With non-essential procedures paused during 2020, it comes as no surprise that there were fewer treatments performed overall last year compared to 2019. However, demand for plastic surgery remained steady, or even increased, as restrictions lifted, remote work allowed more flexibility for healing time, and people saw their own faces more than ever through video chats and online meetings.

Non-Invasive Procedures Were More Popular in 2020

Comparing surgical and non-surgical procedures from the past year, it is clear that patients are continuing the trend of electing to have non-invasive options whenever possible. Patients received a total of 13,281,235 non-invasive cosmetic procedures in 2020, compared to a total of 2,314,720 surgeries. There are many reasons why this is the case, both related and unrelated to shutdowns.

This trend follows previous years’ higher demand for non-surgical options, which is often due to the reduced time required to complete the procedures and minimal downtime. In addition, as technology and techniques improve, patients can now achieve impressive results that may “hold off” surgical procedures for years. In addition improved injection techniques mean that doctors can now avoid the “frozen” look from Botox while dramatically reducing wrinkles for a softer, more natural look. New laser technologies also allow for anti-aging results that can treat spots and areas that were not even on the radar 15 years ago. Similarly, the rise of treatments like CoolSculpting over the years has more patients choosing non-surgical body contouring earlier, before they need surgical options like liposuction.

When restrictions lifted, patients often chose these popular non-surgical options for similar reasons. As people were unable to vacation, it left more disposable income to try new treatments. Spending hours in video conferences directed us to see our face as others see, inspiring new treatments to address wrinkles, fine lines, or double chins. Trying non-surgical treatments could also be a pick-me-up and confidence boost that many patients were looking for after a stressful year.

A “Plastic Surgery Boom” Despite the Pandemic

Closures lasted about 2-6 months in most parts of the country, but that did not mean that patients shied away from plastic surgery. Instead, most practices saw a “boom” from pent-up demand after reopening. Working from home for so many months also gave flexibility for downtime after surgeries, meaning that many saw it as the perfect opportunity to have a procedure that they had been considering for a long time, such as a tummy tuck, liposuction, or breast augmentation. While there were slightly fewer plastic surgeries performed in 2020 compared to the previous year, the 2,314,720 procedures total were just a 14% decrease despite restrictions.

If you are considering a plastic surgery procedure, it is worth it to be patient. You’re not alone in feeling ready to undergo a procedure you may have been considering for years. With pent up demand and some states just reopening fully, some areas may see prolonged consult and wait times for surgery as well as wait times at the surgery centers themselves who were also closed for months. An experience surgeon, quality results, and credentialed surgery centers are worth the wait.

The Most Popular Cosmetic Procedures in 2020

In 2020, the most popular cosmetic procedures, both surgical and non-surgical, were:

Schedule a Consultation

If you are interested in any of these procedures and looking for an experienced plastic surgeon or dermatologist, schedule a consultation at Janiga MDs in Reno, Nevada. Call our office at (775) 364-0224 or contact us online.

Trends in Cosmetic Procedures: 2020 National Plastic Surgery Statistics