Our Summary
This research paper looks at how the COVID-19 pandemic influenced people’s interest in plastic surgery. Before the pandemic, studies showed that people were becoming more interested in facial surgery due to the increased use of self-facing cameras, selfies, and webcams. This study focuses on changes in this interest during the pandemic, especially since the use of web-conferencing and telecommunication increased.
To measure interest, the researchers used Google Trends, which shows how often certain search terms are entered compared to the total number of searches. They looked at the five most common plastic surgeries for the face and neck (blepharoplasty, face lift, rhinoplasty, neck lift, cheek implant) and body (breast lift, liposuction, tummy tuck, breast augmentation, breast reduction) from January 2019 to April 2022.
The results showed that interest in plastic surgery dropped sharply in March 2020, when the pandemic began. Soon after, interest increased, especially for body surgeries, which reached higher levels in 2021 than before the pandemic. Interest in the facial surgeries of rhinoplasty, neck lift, and face lift also rose sharply, while interest in blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) increased more slowly.
Overall, the pandemic disrupted the usual trends in plastic surgery interest. Even though interest initially dropped, it later increased for certain procedures. Today, interest in blepharoplasty and neck lift remains higher than before the pandemic, and interest in body surgeries has returned to and even exceeded pre-pandemic levels.
FAQs
- How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect people’s interest in plastic surgery?
- What methods did the researchers use to measure people’s interest in plastic surgery during the pandemic?
- Which plastic surgeries saw an increase in interest during the pandemic according to this study?
Doctor’s Tip
A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about tummy tuck is to maintain a healthy lifestyle after the surgery to ensure long-lasting results. This includes eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Following these guidelines can help minimize complications, promote proper healing, and maintain the results of the tummy tuck procedure.
Suitable For
Patients who are typically recommended for a tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, are those who have excess skin and fat in the abdominal area that cannot be improved through diet and exercise alone. This procedure is often recommended for individuals who have:
Experienced significant weight loss: Patients who have lost a significant amount of weight, either through diet and exercise or bariatric surgery, may be left with loose, sagging skin in the abdominal area.
Given birth: Pregnancy can stretch the abdominal muscles and skin, leading to a condition known as diastasis recti, where the abdominal muscles separate. A tummy tuck can help tighten these muscles and remove excess skin.
Aging: As we age, our skin loses elasticity and can become loose and saggy. A tummy tuck can help tighten the skin and improve the overall appearance of the abdomen.
Genetics: Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to carrying excess fat in the abdominal area or have loose skin due to genetics.
It is important for patients considering a tummy tuck to be in good overall health, at a stable weight, and have realistic expectations about the results of the procedure. It is also recommended that patients have completed their family planning, as future pregnancies can affect the results of a tummy tuck. A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon is necessary to determine if a tummy tuck is the right choice for an individual’s specific needs and goals.
Timeline
Before a tummy tuck procedure, a patient typically schedules a consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss their goals and expectations. They may undergo various pre-operative tests and evaluations to ensure they are a good candidate for surgery. The patient will also receive instructions on how to prepare for the procedure, including guidelines on eating, drinking, and medication.
During the tummy tuck procedure, the patient is put under anesthesia, and the surgeon makes an incision in the abdominal area. Excess skin and fat are removed, and the abdominal muscles may be tightened. The incisions are then closed, and the patient is monitored as they wake up from anesthesia.
After the tummy tuck procedure, the patient will need to follow post-operative care instructions provided by the surgeon. This may include wearing compression garments, taking prescribed medications, and avoiding strenuous activities. The patient will have follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor their healing progress and address any concerns.
Over time, the patient will see the results of their tummy tuck as swelling goes down and the body heals. They may experience improved self-confidence and satisfaction with their appearance. It is important for the patient to maintain a healthy lifestyle post-surgery to optimize and maintain their results.
What to Ask Your Doctor
- Am I a good candidate for a tummy tuck procedure?
- What are the potential risks and complications associated with tummy tuck surgery?
- What type of tummy tuck procedure would be most suitable for me?
- How long is the recovery period after a tummy tuck surgery?
- Will I need to make any lifestyle changes before or after the procedure?
- What kind of scarring can I expect after a tummy tuck surgery?
- How long will the results of the tummy tuck surgery last?
- Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that I should consider instead of a tummy tuck?
- What kind of post-operative care will be required after the surgery?
- How many tummy tuck surgeries have you performed, and what is your success rate?
Reference
Authors: Herzog I, Park J, Didzbalis CJ, Weisberger J, Tran BN, Lee ES. Journal: Ann Plast Surg. 2023 Jun 1;90(6S Suppl 5):S630-S633. doi: 10.1097/SAP.0000000000003499. Epub 2023 Feb 18. PMID: 36811485