She had never invested much in beauty treatments, rarely getting facials or shopping for beauty products. However, when Dr. Lara Devgan reopened her office in New York, Aubry decided to have a consultation and treatment on the same day. This visit was one of the few times she had left her apartment since March. Aubry, who is 40, could attribute her anxiety to constantly hearing sirens and fearing illness. Having my children at home has affected my ability to manage my business, and witnessing the impact of the pandemic on the economy has caused me stress and made me realize that I am aging quickly. During the lockdown, the demand for nonessential, noninvasive skin-care treatments such as laser procedures, fillers, and Botox injections has increased. Plastic surgeon Dr. Ben Talei in Los Angeles has noticed a surge in people seeking these treatments, especially those with minimal recovery time, as they want to undergo them now while their work and social activities are not disrupted. It was likely expected that there would be a sudden increase in catch-up appointments. However, what will happen in the aesthetic world once this initial surge is over? Will people have a longer list of things they want to change after spending so much time looking at themselves during virtual meetings? Or, after relying on at-home skincare during a break from visiting the doctor, will they realize they don't need medical intervention? The most crucial question remains: how can all of this be done safely? Doctors predict that the pandemic will lead to a shift in focus towards our eyes and bodies, as masks cover most of our faces. Requests for under-eye filler, Botox brow lifts, and eyelid surgery are expected to rise. Additionally, there may be an increased emphasis on the aesthetics of the torso, buttocks, and legs as we cover our faces more. As medical practices reopen, doctors are noticing a higher demand for body treatments. Dr Sachin Shridharani, a plastic surgeon in New York, noted that surgeries are now being performed during the summer months due to limited travel caused by the pandemic. According to the Aesthetic Society, liposuction and tummy tucks accounted for 31% of procedures in June, an increase from 26% in June 2019. Breast procedures also saw a 4.3% increase compared to last June. Dr Herluf Lund, a plastic surgeon in St. Louis and president of the Aesthetic Society, mentioned that breast augmentations and lifts have significantly increased in his practice compared to last year, despite the time they were closed. Demand for nonsurgical body treatments, especially injectables, is also high. Shridharani noted that there is growing interest in using injectables, like syringes, in place of surgical procedures. These injectables, which are generally approved by the FDA for facial use, can also be effective for addressing body concerns. For example, Shridharani uses Kybella to dissolve double chins and reduce fat in various areas of the body. He also administers small amounts of diluted Sculptra to stimulate collagen production in the arms and thighs, helping to improve the appearance of crepey skin. (Shridharani receives financial compensation from the manufacturers of Kybella and Sculptra for his work.) The excessive use of fillers and Botox that celebrities and influencers have become accustomed to may be declining. Plastic surgeon Steven Pearlman predicts that the trend of baby-smooth foreheads, motionless expressions, and overfilled lips and cheeks, which has already been decreasing in popularity, will continue to fade even more quickly. Pearlman believes that people have noticed their faces becoming more natural during lockdowns and, with everything happening in society, they are realizing that having an extreme appearance is not as important. Social media behaviors may also change, making it uncertain whether we will continue to share details of our Botox appointments on platforms like Instagram. During a time of coronavirus fears, economic hardship, and increasing national unrest, sharing photos of expensive cosmetic procedures on social media may draw criticism. As the Black Lives Matter protests began at the end of May, aesthetic doctors were seen refraining from posting their usual before-and-after images. Many were cautious about what to share during such a sensitive time. However, social media has become a vital way for people to connect during prolonged lockdowns, leading to increased sharing of personal details with followers. Maybe we will reach a compromise where patients allow their doctors to share photos of their procedures instead of posting about them on their own social media accounts. Aubry, who initially did not want her procedure photos posted, decided to allow it in order to help other women in similar situations. Dr. Adolf Karchmer, an infectious disease expert, believes that the decision to undergo aesthetic procedures depends on weighing the risks and benefits. While the risk of contracting the coronavirus can never be completely eliminated, medical offices can implement safety measures to minimize the risk. Karchmer was a member of a task force that created Project AesCert, a set of safety protocols for reopening. Patients should be aware that safety measures start before they even reach the office, as practices will screen for symptoms, possible exposure, and underlying health issues. Some patients at high risk for COVID-19 may be turned away by certain practices. Lund emphasized that the initial inquiry a patient should make is regarding the safety protocols of the practice. It is important to determine if the staff can confidently explain their safety measures when contacted, and if this information is readily available on their website. Upon arrival, patients can expect to have their temperature checked, complete any necessary paperwork online beforehand, and see all staff members wearing masks. The doctor will wear personal protective equipment, such as an N95 mask, face shield, gown, and gloves. Many consultations and follow-ups will likely be conducted virtually to reduce traffic in the office due to the risk of coronavirus exposure. There is an increased importance on aesthetics during this time, as medical resources are not optimal, making it a risky time to have complications from a procedure.