Pandemic Shows Spike in Plastic Surgery Demand

Plastic surgeons have seen a tremendous increase in demand for cosmetic procedures during the pandemic. While there are many reasons for this spike, surgeons say that working from home is a significant motivator, thanks to the freedom and flexibility of virtual work. 

Personal improvement efforts are at an all-time high since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Working from home is one of the leading factors to these changes, as people have increased free time and motivation while avoiding commutes and workplace distractions. As a result, there is a rapidly growing interest in plastic surgery procedures. 

Increased Demand for Plastic Surgery 

Elective surgeries were initially restricted due to the Coronavirus but were later approved when testing and other preventive measures became available. Respected professional organizations in the field, such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), released data indicating this spike.

As recorded by the AAFPRS, seven out of 10 plastic surgeons have witnessed a mass demand for cosmetic surgery in both men and women, including breast augmentation, liposuction, facelift, Brazilian butt lift, and rhinoplasty. 

ASPS confirmed the surge, reporting an increase in demand for all plastic, cosmetic, and reconstructive surgeries since local governments lifted the procedure restrictions across the country. When surveyed, a majority of AAFPRS members cited working from home as the cause, as their male and female patients have sought to reap the benefits of at-home recovery. 

Recover from Home

The increased demand is clearly in response to the work from home orders that created opportunities for patients to recover comfortably without taking a lot of time off work. According to Dr. Matthew Steele, a plastic surgeon in Fort Worth, “recovering from home is a great benefit of getting elective surgery while shutdowns are active.” As of right now, it is unclear how long work from home will continue, but many companies and positions are likely to remain virtual moving forward. 

Many patients view the pandemic as the perfect time to get procedures like nose jobs or breast implants. In addition to the comfort of working from home, the pandemic has also provided people with motivation for self-improvement. Free time and additional expendable income are leading motivators for patients seeking these procedures while working from home amidst the pandemic. 

No Workplace Threats 

Without going to the office, work can be stable and stationary through recovery. Plastic surgery has minimal impact on work done through phone calls, emails, and virtual meetings at an at-home office or desk. It also removes the discomfort of traveling for patients who opt for body procedures.

In-person work presents many possible threats to recovering patients and could risk infection, unstable working conditions, or hazards. Additionally, widespread vaccine availability increased the safety of undergoing the procedures and recovery for minor surgeries. 

Patient Comfort 

Temporary physical discomfort can occur after plastic surgery, including bruising or swelling. Having privacy during recovery can increase patient confidence, as there is no risk for public exposure while resting at home. To achieve the best results, it is important for patients to be comfortable throughout the procedure and the recovery process.

Working from home presents the perfect opportunity for plastic surgery with the benefit of recovering in the privacy of your home and not sacrificing vacation or time off to do so. The spike that occurred throughout the pandemic will likely continue as work from home remains widely popular.