Is the "Zoom Boom" a legitimate plastic surgery phenomenon?
Various print and social media sourced have suggested that pandemic related social-distancing, reduced in-person activities, and appearance during video communication services has altered the public demand for cosmetic surgery servives. And perhaps more non-surgical services such as Botox and Juvederm, and skin care for "maskne" a form of acne related to mask wearing. Fortune magazine had such an article in their November 2020 edition. Author Rachel King interviewed a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, Fifth Avenue Dermatologist, and a skin care service owner. Increased attention to facial imperfections noticed because of video calls were bringing in more patients requesting Botox (neuromodulators) around their eyes, under eye fillers (tear trough) (a top seller), and professional skin care services. The June 2020 survey by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) showed 49% of people were open to cosmetic or reconstructive treatments soon.
Lip enhancement patients have less concern that there might be visible bruises or swelling early after treatments, since their faces are covered by masks when interactiing with others. Tummy tuck patients do not need to let their employers and co-workers know about their surgery if everyone is working from home. Breast reductions and breast implant removals were also mentioned.
In our practice experience, patients were initially very eager to resume their regular maintenance Botox and HA fillers. Many were eager to have in-person consults and schedule surgery after virtual consults done during April and May shutdown. Subsequently, we have noticed continuing steady demand for breast, body and facial cosmetic surgery procedures. We are busy and happy that so many of our patients have remained healthy and safe. That has not meant we were unaffected; exposed family members have necessitated delaying procedures and we frequently reschedule to accomodate patient's needs. Many of us know of families that have lost someone to COVID infection complications, and are sincerely saddened by the impact of the disease.
We continue rigorous pre-screening, consistent mask use, surface cleaning and disinfection as recommended by health experts. We hope that everyone does these simple things as well, and that this virus problem improves over the next few months.
https://www.zinio.com/article/fortune/november-2020-i462670/plastic-surgery-sees-a-zoom-boom-a22324
