What’s Going To Be Haute This New Year For Plastic Surgery And Aesthetics

Nationally renowned board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Jose Rodríguez-Feliz serves local and international clients at his boutique aesthetic practice in Miami, FL. Dr. Rodríguez-Feliz is one of few surgeons in the United States that after completing his Residency in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, pursued further training in Oculoplastic and Aesthetic Surgery under world-renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Mark Codner. This gave him the opportunity of nurturing his passion for form and beauty as well as to earn a specialization in aesthetic eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), complex/revision eyelid surgery, correction of droopy eyelids (ptosis surgery), facial plastic surgery (e.g. face/neck lifts, nose surgery, ear surgery), non-surgical facial rejuvenation (e.g. Botox/Dysport, dermal fillers), and aesthetic breast surgery (e.g. endoscopic breast augmentation).

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What does 2022 have in store? Haute Beauty expert Dr. Jose Rodríguez-Feliz shares his predictions for what will be hot in plastic surgery and aesthetics (and what will be not) in the coming year. Here's what he had to say:

1. More comprehensive facelifts

Facelift techniques are ever-evolving, and so are patients’ desired outcomes. In recent years we’ve seen an increase in demand for “targeted” lifting procedures, such as those that address laxity in the lower and/or mid-face. However, the face ages as a whole, and most patients develop visible changes on the forehead, around the eyes, in the mid-face and along the jawline at roughly the same time (although they may be more prominent in some areas more than others).

I’ve already started to see a move away from “limited” facelifts toward more comprehensive lifting procedures that address the full face. Think of it this way… Rather than getting a mid-facelift to improve jowls in the late 40s, followed by eyelid surgery in the 50s and perhaps more extensive work in the 60s, why not “reset” and start fresh with an overall more youthful appearance at once? In the hands of an experienced, extensively-trained surgeon, you can still get natural-looking results while addressing the forehead, eyes, cheeks and lower face in a single, more extensive procedure.

2. Eyebrow transplants

Most women are unaware that eyebrow transplants are a permanent way to enhance the shape and density of the brows. Many have been drawn to microblading in recent years because this semi-permanent tattooing technique initially creates the appearance of individual hairs. Although not permanent, you have to live with microblading results for a significant amount of time if you’re unhappy. And even if you are happy, the results can take on a more tattoo-like appearance after one or two treatments.

Hair transplants are a guaranteed way to restore a full head of hair, but did you know these techniques can be used anywhere on the body? The next big trend in hair transplantation is all about the eyebrows (and Chrissy Teigen recently went on the record about her positive experience). Eyebrow transplantation offers permanent brow restoration that looks 100% natural because your own hair is used to fill in sparse spots—and it continues to stay put and grow indefinitely.

3. Surgery over non-invasive treatments

Non-surgical treatments are a wonderful quick-fix, but their results don’t come anywhere near those that can be achieved with surgery—and they require repeated visits to the doctor to maintain. When you do the math, the amount of money you spend on non-invasive treatments with modest results can actually add up to more than actual surgery (and guaranteed results) over time.

Take fat-melting injections that are used to improve a double chin, for instance… I had a patient who underwent a series of treatments, only to be disappointed with the results. She then decided to undergo Vaser ultrasound-assisted liposuction along the jawline, under the chin and on the neck with Renuvion for skin tightening. Now she is thrilled with her profile and the contours of her neck, and wishes she had gone the surgical route (and save the money she spent on injections) from the get-go.

4. Sticking to a maintenance schedule

Plastic surgeons and other aesthetic physicians are busier than ever. This means that if you wait until your neurotoxin effects wear off to schedule your next appointment, you may be left waiting for several weeks or more. My advice: When checking out after an injectable appointment, make your next one on the spot (based on your doctor’s recommended timing). This way you don’t have to worry about anyone’s schedule being full—other than your own.

For more information, visit Dr. Jose Rodríguez-Feliz's social media: