As we move into 2025 and with the landscape of Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery rapidly evolving, we sat down with Birmingham’s premier Facial Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Blake Raggio, to gain his perspective on aesthetic trends shaping the future of facial aesthetics. Let’s dive in.

 

The Modern-day Aesthetic Consumer: Smart and Savvy

One of the more notable trends, Dr. Raggio explains, is that modern-day aesthetic patients are more informed than ever before. With access to various digital resources such as AI, social media, and online reviews, individuals can research procedures, surgeons, and outcomes with incredible depth before booking their consult. As a result, Dr. Raggio notices patients are making more thoughtful and deliberate decisions about their cosmetic enhancements.

“Patients are incredibly smart nowadays,” says Dr. Raggio. “They have a wealth of resources to research what they want and where to get it. They no longer fall for quick fads or fixes—instead, they want treatments with lasting and natural results. And that’s exactly our focus here at Raggio MD.”

This shift to the “smart and savvy” consumer means that patients approach aesthetic consultations with a deeper understanding of their options, allowing for more productive discussions with their plastic surgeon. “And in my mind, that’s a good thing,” says Dr. Raggio. 

Filler Fatigue: A Shift Away from Non-Surgical Approaches

Another significant trend in facial rejuvenation is the decline in popularity of dermal filler use, such as Restylane and Juvederm. “This ‘filler fatigue’ is a nationwide movement,” says Dr. Raggio, “wherein patients have become quite unhappy with the high cost, temporary effect, and often underwhelming results associated with filler.” Dr. Raggio adds, “What’s worse is that errant or overdone filler can lead to some pretty strange appearances and, even worse, cause serious and sometimes irreversible side effects.”

That said, Dr. Raggio emphasizes that filler absolutely still has its place in facial aesthetics when used thoughtfully and in moderation. “When performed by a skilled injector with the right background, experience, and aesthetic eye, dermal filler can create beautiful, natural-looking results,” he says. “It’s not that filler is inherently bad—it’s just often misused or overpromised.”

Patients seeking filler treatments should ideally consult with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, plastic surgeon, or dermatologist—specialists who possess in-depth anatomical knowledge and experience in facial aesthetics. However, Dr. Raggio is quick to note that great outcomes are not limited to one type of provider. “I’ve trained many RNs and NPs across the country who deliver incredibly natural and tasteful results,” he says. “The key lies in the provider’s understanding of facial harmony, depth of training, and commitment to ongoing education.”

He encourages aesthetic providers to guide patients with transparency, discussing both the benefits and limitations of injectable treatments. “We must set realistic expectations and educate patients thoroughly. I guide my own patients on where filler may be helpful, but also where it may fall short,” Dr. Raggio explains. “Terms like ‘filler facelift’ or ‘liquid facelift’ should be eliminated from our verbiage, as they are false and misleading. These procedures are not surgical facelifts, and we do patients a disservice when we imply otherwise.”

Facelifts at Fifty? Absolutely.

Perhaps related to the “Filler Fatigue” movement we just discussed, another notable trend is that patients undergo facial rejuvenation surgery (e.g., facelift) at younger ages. Dr. Raggio explains: “The average age for a facelift, which used to be in the mid-60s, is now hovering in the mid to early 50s.” Dr. Raggio points out that this younger facelift movement is likely driven by several factors, including patients trying to avoid dramatic changes and focusing more on subtle improvements that look effortless and balanced. He says, “Essentially, my patients want to invest in a procedure before drastic age-related changes occur.” Dr. Raggio adds, “A younger patient will heal faster and with less risk of complications.” He also mentioned how the “young facelift” population can enjoy the benefits of his/her rejuvenation during their more social, vibrant years.

 

The Thirst for Surgical Specialization

As mentioned above, today’s patients are more discerning than ever—and for that reason, they’re seeking surgeons who focus exclusively on one or two particular surgeries. Take the Rhinoplasty (“nosejob”), a procedure once dominated by general plastic surgeons, is now performed primarily by surgeons with subspecialty training in Facial Plastic and Head & Neck Surgery.

As a comparison, Dr. Raggio relates choosing a Facial Plastic Surgeon for your rhinoplasty to choosing an expert couture tailor to alter your wedding dress, rather than a general seamstress. When it comes to something as delicate, detailed, and deeply personal as your face—or your wedding gown—experience, precision, and specialization make all the difference.

We asked Dr. Raggio about his motivation for becoming a “super-specialist” and his decision to focus exclusively on Rhinoplasty and Facial Rejuvenation. He replied, “I chose to hyper-specialize so that I could perform at the highest level for my patients. They deserve the utmost precision and expertise. And I just wanted to be able to offer them the best.”

 

The Future of Facial Aesthetics: Thoughtful, Specialized, and Patient-Driven

As we look ahead, it’s clear that facial aesthetics is entering a new era—one defined by educated patients, thoughtful decision-making, and a growing demand for specialization. Trends like early surgical intervention, a shift away from overdone filler, and a deeper appreciation for surgeon expertise are reshaping the field. Dr. Raggio concludes, “In this competitive environment that is Facial Aesthetics, natural results, transparency, and precision aren’t just preferred—they’re expected.”

 

Interested in learning more about Facial Plastic Surgery, Dr. Raggio’s philosophy, or the evolving trends in modern aesthetics?

Visit www.raggiomd.com or follow along on Instagram @dr.blakeraggio for insights, updates, and a closer look at what’s shaping the future of facial rejuvenation.