New AAFPRS Data Reveals Trends Defining Facial Plastic Surgery

The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) is reporting a notable shift in the aesthetic landscape, with its 2025 Annual Survey pointing to rising procedural volume alongside evolving patient priorities. According to newly released data, facial plastic surgeons nationwide performed an estimated 1.6 million procedures in 2025—a projected 19% increase over the previous year. Yet the growth is not being driven by demand for dramatic transformations. Instead, surgeons report that patients are increasingly seeking earlier, subtler, and more strategic interventions aimed at achieving natural-looking results, preserving facial harmony, and supporting long-term confidence rather than conspicuous change.

The AAFPRS reports the following trends are defining facial plastic surgery:

The Growth and Trends Defining Facial Plastic Surgery

The estimated 19% surge in treatments represents one of the strongest growth moments the specialty has seen in years, reflecting both rising demand and growing patient confidence in facial plastic surgery (across surgical and non-surgical care) when performed by highly trained specialists.

As demand for both surgical and non-surgical treatments rise, minimally invasive treatments continue to reign supreme amongst men and women. AAFPRS members report that non-invasive treatments account for an impressive 80 percent of all procedures—the most popular being neurotoxins and fillers, reinforcing a broader shift toward results that are discreet, highly customizable, and compatible with busy lives. 

Cornerstone surgeries remain constant. Rhinoplasties, facelifts (including partial facelifts), and blepharoplasties continue to rank as the top surgical procedures for both women and men, consistent with trends observed over the past 6 years.

The Great Gender Divide Is Disappearing

Patients are no longer defining their aesthetic choices by gender norms, but by how they want to look, feel, and age. Procedures once considered predominantly female or male are now drawing a far more balanced mix of patients. 
“Men are increasingly seeking eyelid surgery, injectables, and facelifts, while women are showing growing interest in categories historically dominated by men,” says Dr. Anthony Brissett, an internationally recognized board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon and president of the AAFPRS. 

One in 4 AAFPRS members report that otoplasty, non-surgical hair restoration treatments, chin augmentation, facial implants, rhinoplasty, revision surgery, PRP injections, fat-dissolving injections, and non-invasive energy-based fat reduction are now performed about equally between women and men.

Hair transplantation remains the only procedure where men still significantly outnumber women, yet even that gap is narrowing. In 2019, 50% of surgeons reported hair transplantation as a “mostly male” procedure. But now that percentage has dropped to 33%, while the proportion of practices reporting more female than male patients has continued to rise from 11% to 17%. Surgeons performed about twice as many hair restoration treatments in 2025 compared to 2024. 

When it Comes to Aesthetics, Age Isn’t Just a Number—It’s a Strategy

One of the most meaningful shifts observed in this year’s survey isn’t which procedures patients are choosing, but when they’re choosing to do them. AAFPRS facial plastic surgeons overwhelmingly predict that the average age of facelift patients will continue to trend younger—a shift already taking shape, as 57% of surgeons report an increase in patients under 30 requesting cosmetic procedures or injectables, with many strategically opting for subtle, preventative approaches designed to preserve facial structure, support long-term skin health, and promote more graceful aging over time.

At the same time, the age distribution for certain aesthetic treatments remains remarkably consistent. Patients 34 and younger continue to make up most rhinoplasty patients, while those aged 35 to 55 form the core of patients getting neurotoxins and other non-surgical treatments. Patients 56 and older continue to account for most blepharoplasties, facelifts, and brow lifts.

“Taken together, the data reflects a more intentional approach to aging—one where patients are prioritizing maintenance over correction and making strategic choices that evolve with them over time,” Dr. Brissett said. 

GLP-1 RA’s Have Altered the Face of Aesthetics

Weight-loss medications like semaglutide have permanently altered the aesthetic landscape. While these drugs are delivering dramatic results below the neck, their effects are increasingly visible above it. Sixty seven percent of AAFPRS facial plastic surgeons report an increase in patients seeking treatment related to rapid weight loss, up 45% from last year. 
“As facial fat disappears quickly, patients experiencing ‘Ozempic Face’ are seeking remedies to unintended accelerated signs of aging such as hollowed cheeks, increased skin laxity, and more pronounced jowls,” Dr. Brissett said. 

These GLP-1 RA side effects are driving renewed demand for facial rejuvenation, with AAFPRS members reporting a second consecutive year of 50% growth in fat grafting procedures as patients look to restore lost volume, softness, and balance. With no signs of slowing down, one in four surgeons also predict that GLP-1 RA usage could cause a spike in non-surgical treatments.

Menopause Goes Mainstream

2025 demonstrated a rise of menopause-driven aesthetic care, with 45% of facial plastic surgeons reporting that more women are now explicitly referencing menopause or perimenopause as a reason for seeking treatment—a significant increase from 28% just last year. These numbers reflect a broader cultural shift, indicating that menopause is no longer taboo, and women are demanding effective solutions during this life stage.

Sixty six percent of AAFPRS members reported a rising trend in eyelid procedures to look less tired, while 50% say patients are turning to cosmetic treatments to remain competitive in the workforce.

“Together, these findings point to a shift in how aesthetic care is viewed during midlife—one where nips and tucks aren’t simply done due to vanity, but for autonomy and confidence during menopause, a hormonally driven chapter,” Dr. Brissett said. 

Patient Motivators: It’s Not the Downtime or the Price Tag

Perhaps the most revealing shift in this year’s survey is that patients’ primary concern is no longer cost, recovery time, or even choosing the right surgeon—It’s looking unnatural. In an era defined by constant visibility and heavy social media scrutiny, today’s patient is more informed, more discerning, and far less forgiving of results that announce themselves. After years of exaggerated filler trends dominating feeds and faces, patients are weary of outcomes that seem obvious or overworked. 

“Subtlety has become the new status symbol, placing a premium on precision, restraint, and expertise,” Dr. Brissett said. “It’s a shift that underscores the value of working with specialized facial plastic surgeons, and it might even explain the continued rise in non-surgical requests.”

Technology as a Tool—Not a Crutch

Technology continues to play a supportive role in how facial plastic surgery is evolving. More than half of AAFPRS members say virtual consultations and digital follow-up options are on the rise, giving patients greater access, continuity, and convenience without sacrificing quality of care.

However, AAFPRS members remain intentional about how newer technologies, like artificial intelligence, are brought into their practices. Rather than turning to automation, surgeons remain focused on adopting tools that genuinely enhance communication, personalization, and the patient experience, without replacing clinical judgment or expertise.

“The takeaway is clear. Innovation has a place, but experience and specialized training remain the foundation of exceptional treatment,” Steve Jurich, CEO and Executive Vice President of the AAFPRS, said. 

The 2025 AAFPRS annual member survey was conducted in December 2025 by ACUPOLL Precision Research, Inc. through an online survey from a select group of the organization’s members.