WASHINGTON, US: The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) has recently released the results of its 2024 annual member survey, shedding light on the most prominent developments in facial plastic surgery. The data reveals that medical advancements, shifting social attitudes and emerging patient demographics are shaping demand across both surgical and non-surgical procedures. The findings are increasingly relevant to healthcare professionals involved in aesthetic and reconstructive facial care.
Impact of GLP-1 weight loss medications
One of the most significant findings from the survey is the influence of GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as semaglutide—marketed as Ozempic and Wegovy—on the demand for aesthetic facial treatments. Nearly half of the surveyed AAFPRS members reported a surge in patients seeking facial procedures to counteract the cosmetic side effects of these medications, particularly facial volume loss and skin laxity.
“While these drugs are highly effective at achieving rapid weight loss, they often result in issues like volume loss and sagging skin,” explained AAFPRS President Dr Patrick Byrne, a board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon. He continued: “As a result, more patients are turning to facial plastic surgery to address these aesthetic concerns.”
Reflecting this growing demand, fat-grafting procedures have doubled in frequency in 2024, driven largely by patients looking to restore facial volume and enhance contours. Furthermore, one in four AAFPRS members expect GLP-1-related demand to stimulate growth in non-surgical procedures, such as dermal fillers and skin-tightening treatments. In response, 10% of AAFPRS members have begun prescribing GLP-1 medications themselves—a number that is expected to increase in the coming years.
Top procedures and shifting demographics
As in previous years, rhinoplasty, facelifts and blepharoplasty remain the top three surgical procedures. Rhinoplasty remains the leading procedure in volume, and nearly 80% of surgeons reported an increase in revision cases. The data also shows that approximately 90% of AAFPRS members perform facelifts annually, and the proportion of patients aged 35–55 undergoing this treatment has risen in recent years, from 26% to as much as 32%. Two-thirds of surveyed surgeons believe the average age for facelift procedures will continue to trend younger.
Minimally invasive procedures now represent 80% of all treatments. Neurotoxins such as botulinum toxin and injectable fillers remain the most frequently administered non-surgical options, and 90% of surgeons routinely offer them. These treatments continue to be preferred for their immediate effects and minimal recovery time.
Menopause and aesthetic ageing
The report also highlights a rise in facial aesthetic procedures among perimenopausal and menopausal women, largely attributed to age-related hormonal changes that affect facial skin and skeletal structure. These changes often lead to thinning skin, drooping eyelids, sagging brows and the appearance of jowls.
Among AAFPRS members, 28% noted that patients explicitly cited menopause-related concerns during consultations. “Soft-tissue fillers, especially biostimulatory fillers, can help replace collagen stores from the inside out and outside in, which can be helpful for women experiencing a drop in collagen levels, leading to wrinkles and fine lines,” said Dr Byrne. He continued: “The growing conversation around menopause and aesthetics marks a significant shift in how women approach this life stage, empowering them with the knowledge and resources to embrace and celebrate it with confidence.”
Increased interest among male patients
Men are increasingly seeking aesthetic treatments, and 92% of AAFPRS members reported seeing male patients in their practices. Blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty and facelifts are among the most commonly performed procedures for this demographic. Hair transplantation is the only treatment for which male patients outnumber female patients significantly.
Non-surgical procedures are gaining popularity among men, and neurotoxins such as botulinum toxin are increasingly sought after by those looking to achieve a refreshed appearance, minimise signs of ageing and maintain a competitive edge in both professional and social environments. Fillers and skin rejuvenation treatments also rank high among male patients, indicating a broader cultural shift in attitudes towards aesthetic self-care.
Regenerative aesthetic medicine on the rise
The survey points to regenerative medicine as a major area of future innovation. More than half of AAFPRS members (57%) anticipate increased use of treatments such as platelet-rich plasma and exosome-based therapies. These procedures, which aim to rejuvenate and repair the skin at a cellular level, are expected to enhance long-term outcomes and patient satisfaction. One in four surgeons predicts that exosome therapy in particular will play a pivotal role in aesthetic medicine in the near future.
Emphasising clinical expertise and patient education
According to the survey, the top concerns patients raise during consultations are surgeon qualifications, cost and recovery time. As cosmetic procedures gain popularity, AAFPRS leadership underscores the importance of selecting qualified professionals.
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