2022 Aesthetic Surgery Trends: From Jawline Definition to Fat Grafting, a Boom Expected for Neck, Eyes and Facial Contouring
Just a few days remain before the opening of the IMCAS World Congress in Paris, scheduled from January 27 to 29, 2022 — an international event dedicated to dermatology, plastic surgery, and anti-aging science.
Based on last year’s data and the trends highlighted by the Italian Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (AICPE), it is already possible to predict some key developments for 2022 in the field of aesthetic medicine and surgery.
Facial aesthetic surgery will continue to dominate the most requested treatments. Jawline Definition — or the reshaping of the mandibular line — is a rapidly growing area. This procedure enhances the lower third of the face, giving it a more sculpted and sensual appearance, and it’s increasingly popular among Hollywood’s male celebrities. The goal is to redefine the jawline, restore its continuity, and achieve a sharper and more harmonious contour.
Refreshing the eye area is another major focus. The rise of videoconferencing during the pandemic and the widespread use of masks (which draw attention to the eyes) have made this one of the most requested treatments. In fact, blepharoplasty saw a 20% increase in demand during the first half of 2021, and this trend is expected to continue.
The chin and submental area are also seeing growing interest, with more patients seeking targeted procedures to redefine their profile.
According to AICPE data, there are at least twenty different treatments — both invasive and non-invasive — that can improve facial appearance by addressing sagging or volume loss due to natural aging (often worsened by pandemic-related stress) or by correcting imperfections that affect self-confidence. Only a qualified aesthetic surgeon can determine the most appropriate approach for each individual, based on a thorough assessment of facial features and personal expectations.
Another promising field is regenerative surgery, which involves the transplantation of a patient’s own cells and tissues from one area of the body to another. Considered a valid alternative to injectables (like botox and hyaluronic acid), it is increasingly used for facial volume restoration, often in combination with other procedures such as lifting or blepharoplasty.
A key technique in this area is Fat Grafting — an autologous transfer of adipose tissue and stem cells, typically harvested from the hips or abdomen, to restore facial volume and promote cellular regeneration at the graft site.
The most challenging area to treat? The lower third of the face — the cervico-mandibular region, chin, and perioral zone, along with the upper neck. Non-invasive treatments such as laser, injectables, threads, and radiofrequency often produce temporary or unsatisfactory results. To achieve long-lasting improvement in this region, surgical approaches remain the most effective. Jawline contouring procedures aim to lift sagging soft tissues and restore firmness. Advances in recent years now allow for more natural and long-lasting results.
The most recommended procedures include the deep-plane cervico-facial lift or the mini-facelift. The mini version differs mainly because it involves less extensive tissue dissection, resulting in a shorter operation time (about one hour on average) and the possibility of using local anesthesia. This allows for jawline and upper-neck rejuvenation with a faster recovery — sutures are typically removed after about ten days. In any case, remember that this is still a surgical procedure and should only be performed by a certified and experienced professional.
Maria Serena Patriarca
