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Medical Experts Predict the Most Popular Procedures for 2022

Are you struggling to keep up with all of the new trends in the aesthetics field?

You aren’t alone. Treatments and trends evolve so quickly that it’s sometimes hard to stay up to date. With all of the new options on the market, it can be difficult to hone in on which ones are worth offering in your practice.

That’s why we did the legwork for you. Today we’re breaking down six of the hottest new trends in aesthetics that are worth offering. Read on to learn what these trends are, how they work, and how your patients can benefit from these treatments.

Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF)

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is an autologous platelet therapy. You’re probably familiar with platelet-rich plasma (PRP), where you take a blood sample from the patient, use a centrifuge to isolate the platelet-rich plasma, and then apply the PRP solution topically or through injection. This is also called a “vampire facial.” Now a similar option, PRF, is the latest craze. PRF is viewed as a more advanced version of PRP. It’s more effective because it doesn’t contain the anti-clotting additives the original solution needs.

PRF has more white blood cells and fibrin than PRP. It’s also beneficial because it contains stem cells that increase wound healing and skin rejuvenation benefits. PRF is an affordable, accessible option that can be administered topically; injected; or used alongside other aesthetic procedures. This safe and natural solution helps with scarring, reduces signs of aging, and even treats hair loss. You can use PRF alone or with filler as a combination treatment in the following areas:

  • Dark undereye circles
  • Thinning lips
  • Nasolabial folds
  • Age spots
  • Marionette lines
  • Forehead wrinkles
  • Tear troughs
  • Frown lines
  • Facial wrinkles

This trend is an excellent natural aesthetics option for patients to try.

Chin Enhancement

More and more patients are seeking to enhance their chin. Strengthening a weak or underdeveloped chin can balance out the nose and chin and give the jawline a more attractive shape.

Chin filler is a temporary solution. This simple treatment involves an injection that’s used to shape the chin and tighten up the surrounding skin area. Most providers use either a hyaluronic acid filler, like Restylane Lyft and Juvederm Voluma or Volux, or calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHa — think Radiesse).

For patients who want a permanent chin enhancement, a chin implant is the best solution. This type of surgery is called genioplasty. You’ll place an implant around the patient’s existing chin bone to augment the size and shape of the chin. Chin implants are intended to be permanent.

Trending Injectables

This year, you can expect to see several new injectables coming onto the market. For 2022, the most popular types of new fillers will be hyaluronic acid fillers as skin boosters; CaHa; and hyper-diluted and biostimulatory fillers to stimulate collagen and elastin.

Bonti, now under the Allergan umbrella, is a company focused on fast-acting neurotoxin compounds for aesthetic and therapeutic applications, and Allergan received global rights to EB-001A (a novel botulinum neurotoxin serotype E) and EB-001T. EB-001A should have a quick onset time within 24 hours, although the total lifespan will only last two to four weeks.

Bonti is used to treat moderate to severe frown lines. It can also treat focal musculoskeletal pain, serving as an opioid alternative. 

Cellulite Treatments (QWO)

QWO is an injectable that treats moderate to severe cellulite on the buttocks in adult women. This treatment option was approved by the FDA in the summer of 2020, meaning it’s still a fairly new treatment for patients and providers. However, both patients and providers immediately flocked to this new injectable. 

Created by Endo International, QWO is the first injectable to receive FDA approval for cellulite treatment. This option has become popular because it’s minimally invasive with little to no recovery time. Aesthetic practices began offering the injectable in 2021. 

QWO is made up of the active ingredient collagenase clostridium histolyticum-aaes. It addresses the root cause of cellulite by destroying the collagen tethers to the skin, which are responsible for dimpling. Patients generally receive three injections, each spaced three weeks apart. QWO has been proven to be highly effective, making it a great option to offer for your patients.

Threads

Thread lifting treatments are becoming more popular for facial rejuvenation. Thread lifts are often preferred by patients as a non-surgical option to lift the skin. Three types of threads are used:

  • Polydioxanone (PDO)
  • Poly L Lactic Acid (PLLA)
  • Polycaprolactone (PCL)

The time needed to see results and the time it takes for the sutures to dissolve will vary based on the type of thread lift completed. 

A Nova thread lift uses PDO to immediately lift the skin using barbs. Results last for at least a year. PDO is a good fit for addressing skin laxity and wrinkles.

A silhouette soft thread lift uses PLLA. These threads take over a year to dissolve, but the skin lift results will last for one to three years.

Microneedling with Radiofrequency

Microneedling with radiofrequency is a popular procedure that addresses sagging facial skin. This treatment works by using a small needle to create channels in the skin, releasing radiofrequency into the channels. The micro-wounds trigger production of collagen, capillaries, and elastin. 

Radiofrequency microneedling is used to treat:

  • Acne scars
  • Hyperpigmentation
  • Loose or sagging skin
  • Cellulite
  • Fine lines
  • Wrinkles
  • Large pores
  • Stretch marks
  • Hyperhidrosis
  • Surgery scars

This is a relatively quick procedure for patients. Most people need to have four or more sessions. The sessions are done every three to eight weeks, with results showing up after three to six months and lasting for approximately a year before touch-ups are needed. 

Get on Top of These Trends in 2022

The aesthetic world is constantly evolving with new treatments, procedures, and products. It’s important to stay on top of what’s trending. Most of the time, treatments are trending for a reason — and incorporating new options into your list of services is a great way to position yourself as the place to go. Add PRF, chin enhancement, new injectables, QWO, thread lifting, and radiofrequency microneedling into your practice to attract more clients this year.
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