Women Under 45 Drove “Plastic Surgery” Surge During COVID—Kybella, Botox, and Fillers

A recent story in the New York Post claims women under the age of 45 were the driving factor behind the “plastic surgery” surge, including injectables like Kybella—even though Kybella isn’t a surgery. In fact, fillers, botox, and other injectables are not considered surgery, but rather aesthetic treatments. These are of the most popular injectables at VIDA, where we offer several minimally-invasive and non-invasive options for men and women of all (adult) ages. The Post derived data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, which points to COVID as the driving cause behind the scramble for looking and feeling your best.

According to a survey by the Society, 30 percent of clinics experienced at least a doubling in demand between March 2020 and 2022. The majority of all clinics surveyed noted there was boost in their practice in recent months. There are various reasons for this, including patients having the downtime and ability to save for procedures they’ve always wanted as well as being forced to stare at themselves on screens all day. Some clients just embraced carpe diem during COVID, “going for it” simply because they wanted to. Let’s consider exactly what the Society’s survey reveals.

Why the Increased Demand for Injectables?

The Society asked clinicians to report on what was driving people to request more procedures. More than one answer could be selected. According to the results, 42 percent of people said they weren’t traveling as much during the COVID-19 pandemic and they were using that budget to treat themselves to procedures. Forty percent said they would “pay anything” to feel confident and good about themselves post-pandemic. Another 33 percent said they intentionally saved for treatments during the COVID-19 pandemic (rather than relying on that unexpected income from lack of traveling). Finally, 27 percent cited “other reasons” including “Zoom boom” (seeing themselves on screen), remote work making recovery easier, and embracing the idea of doing what they want in the moment rather than waiting.

Respondents were also asked about the motivation for getting plastic surgery in 2021-2022. The number one reason was to feel refreshed and look younger after seeming to age excessively from pandemic stress. There was also an increase in noticeable body changes (perhaps Zoom Boom). Some had actually put off surgery during the pandemic and are now ready to go for it. Others wanted a confidence boost. According to the Society, there has been a particular focus on the face and neck with Zoom Boom, making treatments that address this area especially popular.

The Younger Generation

It is speculated that social media has played a role in why younger women are leading the charge for both surgical and non-surgical procedures in the past couple of years. However, this demographic leans heavily towards non-invasive or minimally-invasive procedures and treatments. Kybella, which uses synthetic deoxycholic acid to “melt” away fat that causes the double chin, as well as microneedling are very popular.

Women aged 31 – 45 drove an increased demand not only for Kybella, but also dermal fillers and Botox. The Society points out that, “Millennials are very sophisticated in terms of getting the information they want … these procedures are no longer taboo—they’re actually relatable and accessible.”

Kybella and You

Kybella quickly became a game-changer for erasing a double chin. Previously, liposuction was the only way to alleviate this problem adequately, but of course liposuction is a surgery with the risks and downtime associated with such a procedure. Also relatively new is CoolSculpt Mini, which allows for the freezing away of fat in small areas such as the under-chin area. CoolSculpting and Kybella can both be effective, but of course work in very different ways. Deciding which is better for you depends on many factors and can be discussed during a consultation.

If you are considering injectables to look younger, healthier, and slimmer, creating a customized regimen based on your skin and goals is a must. Kybella requires 3 – 6 sessions on average, each spaced one month apart (CoolSculpting is similar). Dermal fillers provide immediate results and can help define the jawline and chin to complement Kybella. To find out more, get in touch with VIDA today. Call the office or fill out the online contact form.