Board-certified plastic surgery office shares predictions for top plastic surgery procedures in 2022.
There is no doubt that 2021 has been the year for cosmetic procedures. According to a survey of 1,000 women nationwide, 11% of women said they are more interested in cosmetic plastic surgery now than they were pre-pandemic. The shift to working from home makes receiving plastic surgery more hassle-free and recovery more discreet than ever before. As cosmetic operations continue to boom, we wanted to look at what procedures are on the rise and share the top five plastic surgery procedures you should know about heading into 2022.
- Breast Reductions
St. Charles Plastic Surgery performed more breast reductions this year than any other year in our office’s 20-year history. We see this trend continuing and breast reductions remaining popular in 2022.
Known formally as reduction mammaplasty, breast reductions remove excess breast fat, glandular tissue, and skin. Many people with large breasts experience physical discomfort, including neck and back pain, headaches, and musculoskeletal deformities. Large breasts can also have a mental toll on a person, such as increased self-consciousness.
By removing the excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin, a breast reduction reduces the weight and size of breasts, alleviating pain. This procedure allows patients to feel more satisfied in their body image and allows them the freedom to enjoy physical activity. These results are why breast reductions rank among the highest in patient satisfaction.
- Eyelid surgery
Eyelid surgery has consistently been one of the most popular procedures in the nation. In 2020, 325,112 patients received eyelid surgery, making it the second most popular procedure. In 2022, we predict it will remain popular.
Also known as an eye lift or blepharoplasty, eyelid surgery removes fat and sometimes excess skin and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids. Drooping eyelids and under-eye bags can impact a patient’s self-assuredness and make them look older or more tired than they feel.
By removing the excess fat, skin, and muscle, eyelid surgery can correct drooping upper lids and puffy under eyes on men and women of all ages. The result of this procedure is a more alert and rested appearance. After eyelid surgery, patients may find themselves feeling more confident in professional and social situations. This procedure is often done in conjunction with the next procedure on our list: facelifts.
- Facelift
In 2020, 234,374 patients received facelifts, making it the third most performed plastic surgery. In 2021, facelifts continued in popularity, making it safe to assume 2022 will be another great year for this cosmetic procedure.
Sun exposure, gravity, and stress of everyday life show on our faces as we age. Folds and fat deposits appear around the neck, the jawline grows slack, and creases form between the mouth and nose. These changes can make a person appear older than they feel. A facelift reverses the clock by smoothing loose skin on the face and neck, tightening underlying tissues, and removing excess fat.
As a result of a facelift, patients’ faces will appear firm and refreshed. After this procedure, patients look younger and may feel an enhanced sense of self-confidence.
- Liposuction
Liposuction was a top procedure in 2019 and 2020 and will likely remain one of the most in-demand procedures in 2022.
Even with a healthy diet and exercise routine, some pockets of surplus fat are difficult to lose. Liposuction, or lipoplasty, removes or reduces unwanted areas of fat. Commonly targeted locations include the hips, abdomen, buttocks, thighs, chin, upper arms, and neck.
Liposuction helps sculpt certain areas of the body to help patients look as good as they feel. After liposuction, patients might notice that their clothes fit more comfortably and that they feel more assured in their appearance.
- Breast Augmentation
Breast Augmentation has been named one of the top 5 cosmetic surgical procedures since 2006, and its popularity will definitely continue in the new year.
Known technically as augmentation mammaplasty, breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that enhances the size and shape of a patient’s breast using silicone or saline-filled implants.
Those interested in this procedure seek it for several reasons:
- Some are dissatisfied with their current breast size.
- Some may want to balance uneven breast sizes.
- Some may wish to restore their natural breast volume that decreased from pregnancy, weight loss, or aging.
This cosmetic procedure is great for patients with a healthy self-image who want to improve their appearance. After breast augmentation, patients may experience an improved self-esteem and satisfaction with their fuller appearance.
As we head into the new year, there are many ways to feel confident and comfortable with your body. If you are interested in plastic surgery in the coming year, it’s important to find a plastic surgeon that understands your needs and expectations. To learn more about these procedures, please contact our office, located in the Greater Chicago area, to schedule a consultation.