8 Aesthetics Treatments That Are Bound to Go Viral in 2020, According to Doctors

You know that feeling when you first learn about something — be it a band, vacation spot, or fashion label — and suddenly it seems like everyone you encounter is talking about it? Dermatologists and plastic surgeons experience this phenomenon, too, in the form of multiple patients requesting the same aesthetic treatments seemingly all at the same time.

Of course, doctors know they’re not experiencing déjà vu, but observing the start of a new aesthetic trend. And, since they see and hear it all, dermatologists and plastic surgeons are also uniquely qualified to predict which of these trends will stick around — and which are more likely a blip on the radar. So, in anticipation of a new year, we turned to dermatologists and plastic surgeons from across the country to weigh-in on the increasingly-requested treatments poised to become the most popular of 2020. 

We weren’t shocked to hear that non-invasive body contouring treatments are “in,” as 53 percent of respondents worldwide surveyed in this year’s Allergan 360° Aesthetics ReportTM said they would consider trying one — or that lip enhancements are skewing more subtle. (In the same survey, 55 percent of respondents said they are concerned about “unnatural [looking]” results from in-office treatments.) But that’s not to say some of our pros’ predictions didn’t surprise us. Read on for their hot takes!

EDITOR’S NOTE

As always, talk to your doctor before starting any new treatment.

Full-Body Rejuvenation

“Facial rejuvenation has become commonplace. However, patients now understand that they need to invest in rejuvenation off of the face also. The first areas added are usually the ones most exposed — the neck, chest, and hands — but it’s expanded to the arms, abdomen, buttocks, and legs. That means a surge in popularity of combination treatments that may include cosmeceuticals, peels, and energy-based devices like lasers, microfocused ultrasound, and radiofrequency for prevention, rejuvenation, and maintenance.” —Heidi A. Waldorf, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Waldorf Dermatology Aesthetics℠ in Nanuet, New York 

Skin and Tissue Tightening 

“[Skin and] tissue tightening will be highly requested in 2020. Areas to be treated include the face and neck, as well as the chest and arms. Some of the greatest technologies on the market for tightening include Ultherapy^® and microneedling with radiofrequency, which can be used safely on all skin types.” — Alyx Rosen Aigen, MD, board-certified dermatologist and Assistant Professor at the University of Miami^®, Miller School of Medicine℠ in Miami, Florida

“The jaw seems to be an area of interest right now, probably due to social media — everyone wants to get that perfect angle. Removing volume and tightening jowl skin with a radiofrequency device like AccuTite^TM by InMode^TM [can be] longer-lasting [than some other options].” — Sheila Nazarian, MD, board-certified plastic surgeon at Nazarian Plastic Surgery℠ in Beverly Hills, California

Does not imply person featured in the photograph had any of the treatments mentioned in this article.

Subtle Lip Filler

“For 2020, I expect the trend [in lip treatments] will continue. My patients want believably-full lips, but don’t want their lips to be the first thing someone notices when they see them. Overall, I think a more plausibly deniable aesthetic with injectable fillers will be a trend for 2020.” — Noëlle Sherber, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist at Sherber + Rad℠ in Washington, DC

EDITOR’S NOTE

Injectable filler is a temporary treatment that adds volume to areas of the face such as the lips, cheeks, and laugh lines. Like any medical treatment, it has potential risks and side effects. Be sure to talk to a licensed provider to see if they’re right for you. 

Hyper-Customized Solutions

“In 2020, we will see [requests for more] customized solutions to [treat] facial aging, including bespoke implants — specifically cheek, chin, and jawline. Through the combination of CT scanning and computer-aided design (CAD), custom facial implants can be created using precise measurements based on the patient’s own physical model.”—Andrew Jacono, MD, FACS, board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon at the New York Center for Facial Plastic and Laser Surgery℠ in New York, New York

Muscle Toning

“While [there are other devices that] destroy fat cells, [they] don’t address muscle tone. That’s where muscle stimulation devices such as CoolTone^TM, Emsculpt^®, and truSculpt^® flex come into play. These technologies target muscle [by strengthening, toning, and firming].” — Dr. Alyx Rosen Aigen

EDITOR’S NOTE

The CoolTone^TM device is FDA-cleared for improvement of abdominal tone, strengthening of the abdominal muscles, and development for firmer abdomen. CoolTone^TM  is also FDA-cleared for strengthening, toning, and firming of buttocks and thighs. As with any procedure, there are risks and side effects, so talk to a licensed provider to see if it’s right for you. 

Texture-Refining Lasers

“For 2020, the top requested treatments will center on skin quality. Now that social media filters can make skin smooth and luminous with a click, I find that people are looking to achieve this effect in real life. Gentle fractional laser treatments — such as Clear + Brilliant^® Perméa^® — polish the skin while reducing pore size.” — Dr. Noëlle Sherber

PRP Treatments

“Treatments with platelet-rich plasma will continue to be some of the most requested in 2020. As more research is done on PRP, we will see more benefits and the true value of this technology. PRP has shown amazing improvement in numerous hair conditions, such as androgenetic alopecia for men and women, as well as less common hair disorders, such as alopecia areata. PRP is also utilized in combination with rejuvenative procedures such as microneedling and laser resurfacing, where it can decrease healing time and improve the overall outcome of the treatments.” — Dr. Alyx Rosen Aigen

Labiaplasty

“Labiaplasty is becoming mainstream and accepted. Women are taking control of their intimacy, and want to feel comfortable and confident everywhere on their body. While [many] physicians still perform labiaplasties asleep [under anesthesia], I perform them awake [with a local anesthetic], which makes them less of a ‘big deal’ to women. They walk in, and [usually] 45 minutes later, they are done, and can walk out and even drive home. The procedure has also improved over the years to make scarring [typically] imperceptible.” — Dr. Sheila Nazarian

Dr. Noëlle Sherber is a paid Allergan^® consultant.

CoolTone^TM is an Allergan^®-owned electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) device.

CoolTone^TM Important Safety Information

Uses

The CoolTone^TM device is FDA-cleared for improvement of abdominal tone, strengthening of the abdominal muscles, and development for firmer abdomen. CoolTone^TM is also FDA-cleared for strengthening, toning, and firming of buttocks and thighs.

Important Safety Information

The CoolTone^TM procedure is not for everyone. You should not have the CoolTone^TM treatment in areas with metal, electrical, or electronic implants/devices like cardiac pacemakers, implanted hearing devices, implanted defibrillators, implanted neurostimulators, drug pumps, or hearing aids. 

Tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions as CoolTone^TM should not be used over a menstruating uterus, over areas of the skin that lack normal sensation, in patients with fever, malignant tumor, hemorrhagic conditions, epilepsy, recent surgical procedure, pulmonary insufficiency, or pregnancy.

CoolTone^TM should be used with caution in patients with Graves’ disease (an autoimmune disorder that causes overactive thyroid), active bleeding disorders, or seizure disorders.

Women who are close to menstruation may find that it comes sooner, or cramping is increased or intensified with CoolTone^TM treatments, therefore, it is recommended to not undergo treatment during this time of the month.

CoolTone^TM should not be used in the heart or head areas, areas of new bone growth, over the carotid sinus nerves, or over the neck or mouth. CoolTone^TM should not be applied over swollen, infected, inflamed areas or skin eruptions. Caution should be used for patients with suspected or diagnosed heart problems.

Common side effects may include, but may not be limited to, muscular pain, temporary muscle spasm, temporary joint or tendon pain, and redness at or near the treatment site.

Ask your Healthcare Provider if CoolTone^TM is right for you.