The past decade has been transformative for innovation within the medical aesthetics industry. Just the number of popular treatments that didn’t even exist before 2010—but are now more popular than ever—is staggering. Knowing this, we’re pretty psyched at the possibilities the next 10 years will provide when it comes to beauty trends—and the upcoming New Year is already showing major promise for certain in-office procedures. Unsurprisingly, doctors are just as excited for the future. “2020 will be the year of finesse and minimally invasive treatments, including nonsurgical injectable treatments and surgical innovations with smaller and more hidden scars,” says RealSelf chief medical editor and board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City Dr. Lara Devgan.
So with the New Year upon us, we reveal our 2020 Aesthetics Watch List, a breakdown of the modern beauty trends RealSelf analysts and editors predict will be big, according to expert insights and what real consumers are searching for on our site. Spoiler: new fillers are coming, and brands are betting on getting approval to bring overseas treatments here to the U.S.
Related: 11 Cosmetic Doctors Share Their 2020 Skin, Hair, and Body Resolutions
This is the year of surgical “tweakments”
We predict that this next year will be a big one for subtle surgical procedures. Lip lift, a procedure that raises the top lip by removing a small strip of skin from under the nose, is one example of this trend. Lip lift ranked fourth on our list of fastest-growing surgical treatments, with 113% growth compared to 2018, and is expected to only continue to increase in popularity. “The lip lift is a great procedure to help balance the proportions of the upper lip and the [number] of teeth shown in repose and when smiling,” says NYC board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Richard Reish. The result post-surgery often provides patients with an overall younger look.
The rise of buccal fat removal, a surgery that involves removing fat from the cheeks to slim the face and give the cheekbones a more defined look, is another example of patients’ opting for subtle surgical changes. Buccal fat removal ranks 10th on the surgical list, with 79% year-over-year interest growth in 2019. However, Dr. Reish warns that patients should be well aware of the risks of this procedure before undergoing the surgery. “Buccal fat excision should only be done in the right patients, as the long term effects of this procedure can cause adverse hollowing of the submalar face in certain patients,” he cautions. This hollowing in the cheek area, especially with age, can make the face look gaunt. Check out our in-depth dissection of the procedure before booking an appointment.
Muscle-toning devices are trending
Though the treatment launched in 2018, 2019 was a breakout year for Emsculpt. The nonsurgical muscle-toning treatment saw a 450% year-over-year interest increase in 2019, making it the fastest-growing cosmetic treatment on RealSelf—and it’s easy to understand why. A single session of EmSculpt creates 20,000 muscle contractions through high-intensity focused electromagnetic energy, allowing users to undergo an intense muscle-toning treatment while laying down for just 30 minutes. It can be used on the glutes, abs, obliques, biceps, triceps, thigh muscles, and calf muscles.
Noninvasive body contouring devices are only expected to increase in popularity in 2020, and more brands are putting a focus on promoting their own muscle-toning devices. Allergan’s CoolTone, a nonsurgical treatment that stimulates contractions to strengthen muscles in the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks, started popping up in more doctors’ offices this month. Similar to Emsculpt, a single session takes 30 minutes and gives the body an intense workout without the patient’s having to do anything strenuous.
Related: CoolSculpting vs. Emsculpt: What’s The Difference?
A bright future for injectables
Longer-lasting and more versatile injectable fillers are coming in 2020, including Restylane Kysse, a new filler for the lips that mitigates swelling and can last up to nine months. This soft, hyaluronic acid–gel filler, currently available only overseas, subtly enhance the fullness of patients’ lips. “The era of the cartoonish and overfilled lip is over,” says Dr. Devgan. “A return to ‘naturalness’ is here to stay.”
Another expected entrant to the U.S. market in 2020 is Restylane Skinboosters Vital, a new hyaluronic acid filler designed to improve the condition of the skin rather than just restore volume. Its added skin perks have already made this injectable popular in Australia and the United Kingdom, and it’s anticipated to become a favorite in the United States as well. Marketed as a skin refresher, the treatment involves injecting small amounts of hyaluronic acid superficially into the skin to improve elasticity and texture, resulting in a complexion that’s smoother and more radiant. Two or three treatments are usually administered a few weeks apart and then maintained every six months.
