Post-pandemic Plastic Surgery Trends

Introduction:

The SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) epidemic in March 2020 sparked a chain reaction of global events that had not been witnessed in a century. Over a year, COVID-19 has profoundly affected almost every area of people's lives and has primarily kept them in their homes during quarantine.

These repercussions included a worldwide health crisis, supply chain issues, economic instability, and public event cancellations. Many nations limited the number of elective procedures during the height of COVID-19 due to a paucity of hospital beds, a lack of personal protective equipment, and a desire to minimize COVID-19 exposure to other patients. Around 28 million elective procedures are thought to have been delayed or abandoned globally.

Because many plastic and reconstructive surgery operations are now considered elective, there was a 10.9 % decline in aesthetic surgical procedures globally from 2019 to 2020. During the initial phases of the pandemic in the United States, public interest in plastic surgery decreased, which was consistent with this trend.

Which Plastic Surgery Procedure Gained the Most Popularity During the Coronavirus Pandemic?

The COVID-19 pandemic's widespread presence ensured that liposuction continued to be the most popular cosmetic surgery technique for yet another year. Liposuction was the most popular operation requested in cosmetic surgery in 2021 - 2022. This tendency can be ascribed to a rise in distant employment and a decline in social activities.

What Were the Top Cosmetic Procedures Performed During 2020?

Cosmetic Surgical Procedures: In 2020, the following top 5 cosmetic surgeries carried out were:

• Reshaping of the nose.

• Procedures for facelift.

• Eyelid surgery.

• Liposuction.

• Surgeries for breast augmentation.

Reconstructive Procedures: In 2020, the following top 5 reconstructive surgeries carried out were:

• Removal of tumors.

• Repair of lacerations.

• Revision of scars.

• Maxillofacial surgery.

• Surgery involving the hands.

Minimally Invasive Procedures: The top 5 cosmetic minimally invasive procedures carried out in 2020 were:

• Type A of the botulinum toxin.

• Fillers for soft tissue.

• Laser skin resurfacing treatments.

• Chemicals peels.

• Treatment with intense pulsed light (IPL).

What Are the Emerging Post-pandemic Plastic Surgery Trends?

Let us examine a few of the methods that plastic surgery has evolved since the coronavirus.

• Financial Hardships Experienced By the Surgeons: Most plastic surgery offices and surgical facilities had to close their doors to elective treatments, much like other firms, which resulted in significant income losses. The pandemic's potential effects on patients were unknown to surgeons performing elective procedures. Naturally, due to the inherent risks associated with COVID-19, most clinics had to close. When the six weeks of confinement began, many people's thoughts were not immediately focused on elective surgery. Several other firms faced the same difficulties.

• Termination of Employees: Speaking of workers, the COVID-19 epidemic has forced numerous clinics to lay off personnel. They were compelled to lock the doors for an extended time, during which no one could work.

• Plastic Surgeons are Now adopting Virtual Consultations: Many things have changed when plastic surgery practices reopen under the state's new laws and regulations. The adoption of virtual consultations has been one of the most significant shifts. Some medical professionals, such as general practitioners, already utilize virtual consultations. For patients who live away from their doctor's office or who are too ill to come in, they have proven a beneficial tool. On the other hand, plastic surgery clinics have yet to employ virtual consultations frequently.

• Virtual Consultations Have Gained Recognition: Likewise, early in-person consulting encounters have been supplanted with virtual visits. Virtual consultations have emerged as a remarkable breakthrough in assisting people to learn before undergoing cosmetic plastic surgery. Every surgical treatment requires a consultation.

• Individuals Are in Search of Both Surgical and Non-surgical Treatments: There has been a significant increase in patients interested in elective operations and other procedures.

• Updated Protocols for Resuming Operations: The daily tasks have changed significantly due to the new modifications in how to treat patients and medical practices generally. Wearing masks while maintaining a high level of social distance. However, make every effort to offer contactless payments and other precautions that might assist in stopping the spread of COVID-19.

• An Increase in Income: Since the hospitals have reopened, the revenue has increased significantly.

• Increased Patients Due to Travel Constraints: There has been a growing list of operations for new and existing patients. However, one of the additional causes is that many individuals are currently compelled to stay home. As a result, they think now is the ideal moment to get plastic surgery. In addition, many people have seen a rise in their discretionary income. Contrary to expectations, depending on their industry, some people have seen an increase in their income. Of course, others are saving more than they are accustomed to since they cannot spend money on things like travel. This has also led to an increase in the number of patients.

Has There Been an Increase in Plastic Surgery Procedures Post-pandemic?

Global awareness of a wide range of plastic surgery techniques has increased noticeably after the COVID-19 outbreak. This pattern is especially noticeable in non-surgical procedures and cosmetic surgery. There have been several changes that have shocked the plastic surgery community, but there have also been numerous innovations that are advantageous to both patients and surgeons.

Conclusion:

Plastic surgery is one of the fields that has been impacted the most by COVID-19 results in various ways. One cannot assess the excessive demand wave independently from how the epidemic affected individuals because of the significant drop in operations during the pandemic. Patients will continue to be affected by the 'new normal' and its virtualized and isolating social life for years to come, even though some of the norms that the epidemic introduced to our lives have started to lose some of their relevance. At this stage, to adjust to the shifting patient needs, plastic surgeons must grasp the wants and concerns of their patients.