New Plastic Surgery Trends: 2020-2021

New Plastic Surgery Trends: 2020-2021

Dr. Peter Bray

www.cosmeticplasticsurgerytoronto.ca

2020 was a strange year. The Coronavirus paused our lives as governments issued lockdowns worldwide and scientists hurriedly worked to find a vaccine. With a stay-at-home order in effect, we moved to work remotely and telecommunicate with friends and family. It also saw a significant increase in telemedicine. 

With life happening online, we had to take a long hard look at ourselves literally and figuratively. The increased hours staring at our faces increased facial plastic surgery procedures in 2020, including rhinoplasty, injectables, fillers, laser, skincare, and many non-invasive procedures. Some larger surgeries were put on hold because of the pandemic. 

When governmental orders fully lift and with new rules applied to the aesthetics industry, there will likely be an immediate increase in individuals seeking these treatments and many others. 

Following continuing trends, injectables gained even more popularity this past year, and we also saw more on-line interest in breast augmentations, liposuction, and abdominoplasty, making these the top ranked procedures of 2020.

No surprise considering the increase in "screen-time", improving facial appearance has been highlighted by this new reality and is becoming even more mainstream. As we enter 2021 and the second year of the pandemic, we will likely continue to see further reinforcement of these trends, significantly increasing non-invasive treatments. 

Vaccines are now available, and people are rushing to play catch-up and book appointments to get back to looking and feeling their absolute best. 

For those with increasing concern about their health and wellbeing and the risk of COVID19 transmission, new arrangements and techniques have been developed to create an added layer of safety and security in our industry, including telemedicine and virtual consultations. 

Predictions for the Plastic Surgery industry 2021

Non-Surgical Injectable Fillers 

With improvements in technology and rapid scientific innovations, these procedures will likely become even more accessible, affordable, widespread and applied with less discomfort.

The use of the Botulinum toxin, commonly known by the brand name Botox, and other neurotoxin-based injectables will continue to grow in popularity, and its use in medical and cosmetic purposes will further expand. 

Injectable fillers, mostly facial and formulated from Hyaluronic acid such as the popular Restylane, are also rising in popularity. With the social/work climate shifting to online beyond the pandemic, facial fillers are likely to gain even more traction. People of all ages and genders want to look their best for the camera. 

Laser Resurfacing and Skin Care 

Following an increase in Botox and facial filler treatments, there will likely be an uptick in skincare procedures, products, and restoration techniques. Lasers are gaining even more popularity to resurface facial skin, treat scars, lessen wrinkles and remove unwanted spots and discoloration. Reversing the aging process is a key motivator for any aesthetic treatment, and the face is the number one priority for looking younger, more rested, and refreshed. The use of lasers and an intelligent and regularly maintained skincare regime work hand in hand to achieve the best results. There are many options, talking to a specialist will help you select the best strategy for great results. 

Skin Tightening, Liposuction & Coolsculpting 

Another area of increased interest and growth is body sculpting techniques like liposuction and newer non-invasive Coolsculpting and RF (radio frequency) skin-tightening procedures. With more freedom this Spring and Summer, we will be out of the house and we will need to feel and look our best. The cottage, beach and swimsuit season is just around the corner and now is the time to start taking action. 

While patients are familiar with liposuction to remove fat in hard-to-treat areas of the body, improvements in this technology will make it more mainstream and seamless. New techniques have made liposuction, less painful with faster recuperation times and better, more natural results. 

Similarly, Coolsculpting can help "freeze-away" stubborn body fat and is entirely non-invasive using cryolipolysis (two panels to cool the fat to freezing temperatures), the body then naturally excretes the fat cells. It is a quick and painless process and growing more in popularity every year. 

Many people gained weight during the lockdown and want to burn away this stubborn fat moving forward. Working out and diet seldom work for "problem areas" and stubborn pockets of fat. Fat gained by inactivity due to quarantine, and excessive eating and drinking during isolation is a problem for many people. Elimination of excess body fat is a top health concern of many people coming out of lockdown. 

Breast Augmentation 

In recent years breast augmentation numbers have dropped slightly as trends are moving to smaller more natural, shapely breasts. There are reliable procedures to achieve this natural looking and feeling result, such as "gummy bear" breast implants that are virtually undetectable and retain their shape for many years. Fat transfer to the breasts is also a safe and natural looking and feeling option for modern patients. 

Advances in techniques and technology continue to make breast augmentation a popular procedure with a new generation of patients and offer the option of much less pain and a shorter recovery time. 

While the prospect of continued lockdowns and quarantines have been mentally and physically depleting, one positive aspect is the possibility to recuperate for an extended period in your home without social pressure or stigma. Many existing patients continue to take advantage of this situation as well was new patients that have been waiting for just the right time to get a particular procedure or treatment. Wise patients know this is a great time to get surgery without the pressures of a high paced work or social schedule. 

Overview

The plastic surgery industry shows no signs of slowing down in 2021. Remote work and screen meetings will be the new normal for many, at least for the short term. It is likely facial rejuvenation, and renewal procedures will continue to rise with both surgical and non-invasive body sculpting procedures close behind as life returns to normal. 

For more info, please contact Dr. Peter Bray and be well in 2021!

www.cosmeticplasticsurgerytoronto.ca