NYMag Highlights Most-Read Stories of 2025 Featuring Leading Experts
New York Magazine / Intelligencer recognized The Cut’s viral feature “The Forever-35 Face”—which prominently featured Dr. Babak Azizzadeh—as #10 on its list of “New York’s 20 Most-Read Stories of 2025.” The year-in-review article, published on December 16, highlights the stories that most captivated readers across culture, politics, and aesthetics.
Written by Bridget Read for The Cut, “The Forever-35 Face” explored the modern facelift renaissance and the growing fascination with surgically ageless appearances. The piece examined how advances in facial plastic surgery—particularly techniques that prioritize deep structural repositioning over surface tightening—are reshaping public perception of aging and facial rejuvenation.
Dr. Azizzadeh’s inclusion in one of the most-read stories of the year underscores his role as a leading authority in facial rejuvenation and a go-to expert for national media outlets covering the evolution of aesthetic surgery. The article resonated deeply with readers as conversations around transparency, longevity, and natural-looking results continue to gain mainstream attention.
Ranking alongside major investigative features, cultural deep dives, and viral social narratives, “The Forever-35 Face” stood out as a defining beauty and aesthetics story of 2025—reflecting the public’s growing interest in sophisticated, anatomy-driven approaches to facial surgery.
👉 Read the full list on NYMag / Intelligencer:
New York’s 20 Most-Read Stories of 2025
Plastic Surgery Trends for 2026 in Facial Aesthetic Surgery and Innovation
In In the Cards, a paid Substack post by beauty journalist Jolene Edgar, surgeons weigh in on the most influential plastic surgery shifts expected to shape 2026. Drawing from expert commentary originally featured in Allure, the piece outlines six major trends gaining momentum—including the rebranding of the BBL, the rise of midface-focused facelifts, the growing importance of submandibular gland contouring, the decline of nonsurgical skin tightening as a surgical substitute, 360-degree tummy tucks, and the continued surge in facial fat grafting.
Among the experts cited is Dr. Babak Azizzadeh, who offers insight into two key evolutions within facial plastic surgery. First, Dr. Azizzadeh predicts that men will increasingly seek facial surgery in 2026, noting that greater transparency—particularly when celebrities openly share their procedures—will bring more men into the conversation and normalize treatment decisions.
He also emphasizes the growing importance of postoperative aftercare, explaining that elements such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy, peptides, and structured post-op management are becoming essential components of the surgical journey. While aftercare has always been critical for surgeons, Dr. Azizzadeh notes that patients are now placing greater value on recovery optimization and long-term results.
The post reinforces a broader theme emerging across aesthetic medicine: precision, transparency, and holistic care are redefining modern plastic surgery. As expectations rise and techniques advance, experienced surgeons who combine anatomical expertise with a conservative, thoughtful approach are shaping the future of the field.
👉 Read the full post on Substack:
https://joleneedgar.substack.com/p/in-the-cards
Dr. Azizzadeh Shares Insight on the Biggest Plastic Surgery Trends of 2026 in Allure
In its in-depth feature, “These Will Be the Biggest Plastic Surgery Trends of 2026,” Allure explores how aesthetic medicine is evolving—and what procedures are gaining momentum, being redefined, or falling out of favor. Among the experts weighing in is Dr. Babak Azizzadeh, president-elect of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and founder of the CENTER for Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery.
Dr. Azizzadeh offers insight into one of the most talked-about developments in facial rejuvenation: the growing focus on deep neck anatomy, particularly the role of the submandibular glands. As patient expectations rise—fueled by social media and increasingly refined surgical outcomes—he explains that addressing these glands is often essential to achieving a truly elegant and natural-looking neck. In fact, Dr. Azizzadeh notes that he now treats the submandibular glands in 50% to 70% of face and neck lift cases, a dramatic increase from less than 10% just five years ago.
The article also examines broader shifts shaping the future of plastic surgery, including the rise of tissue-preserving facelifts, the continued growth of facial fat grafting as patients move away from traditional fillers, and the decline of nonsurgical skin-tightening devices being marketed as facelift alternatives. Dr. Azizzadeh cautions that while energy-based devices can play a role in improving skin quality, they should never be positioned as substitutes for surgical lifting—an approach he believes has contributed to patient dissatisfaction and complications.
Overall, the feature underscores a clear theme for 2026: precision, anatomy-driven techniques, and natural balance are replacing exaggerated results and one-size-fits-all solutions—principles that have long defined Dr. Azizzadeh’s surgical philosophy.
👉 Read the full article on Allure:
https://www.allure.com/story/plastic-surgery-trends-2026
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https://facialplasticsbh.com/fat-grafting-and-the-baby-face-comeback-dr-babak-azizzadeh-shares-his-take-on-2025s-biggest-beauty-trend/
https://facialplasticsbh.com/facelifts-in-their-30s-the-celebrity-trend/
Vogue Covers At-Home Microneedling Trends in Skincare Innovation
In a feature published on November 30, VOGUE turned to leading experts to answer one of today’s most talked-about beauty questions: Does at-home microneedling really work? In the article, Dr. Babak Azizzadeh, founder of the CENTER for Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery, provides expert insight on the benefits, limitations, and safety considerations of DIY microneedling treatments.
With professional radiofrequency microneedling procedures like Morpheus8 growing in popularity for improving skin texture, tone, and elasticity, interest in at-home alternatives has surged. Dr. Azizzadeh explains that while at-home microneedling devices can support skin radiance and product absorption, they deliver only a fraction of the results achieved with in-office treatments. Proper technique, conservative needle depth, and device selection are critical to minimizing risk and maximizing benefit.
Throughout the article, Dr. Azizzadeh offers guidance on choosing microneedling tools, recommending gentler needle lengths for beginners and cautioning against aggressive depths without professional supervision. He also weighs in on several of Vogue’s top at-home microneedling device picks, highlighting which options are best suited for the face, eyes, beginners, experienced users, and even hair growth—always emphasizing safety first.
The feature underscores Dr. Azizzadeh’s role as a trusted authority in facial aesthetics, offering readers balanced, evidence-based advice to help them make informed skincare decisions without compromising long-term skin health.
Read the full article on VOGUE.com:
“Does At-Home Microneedling Really Work? Experts Weigh In”
Men and Facelifts: Growing Trends in Modern Facial Rejuvenation Surgery
In a recent Today Show feature titled “Dr. Azizzadeh Discusses the New Facelift Boom Among Young Patients and Men,” world-renowned facial plastic surgeon Dr. Babak Azizzadeh from the CENTER for Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery sheds light on one of the fastest-growing trends in aesthetic medicine — the rise of facial surgery among younger generations and men.
Once considered a procedure primarily for women over 50, the facelift is now becoming increasingly popular among patients in their 30s, 40s, and men of all ages. According to Dr. Azizzadeh, the number of male facelift patients has tripled since he began his career. He notes with a smile that “often, the wives come in first—and then the husbands follow.” This growing openness among men to pursue facial rejuvenation marks a significant cultural evolution in how beauty and confidence are perceived.
Dr. Azizzadeh Discusses the “Forever 35” Deep Plane Facelift on ABC News & Nightline
In a recent ABC News and Nightline feature, world-renowned facial plastic surgeon Dr. Babak Azizzadeh discusses the transformative power of the deep plane facelift—a procedure gaining popularity for its ability to make patients look naturally youthful, as if they were “forever 35.”
Unlike traditional facelift techniques that focus on tightening the skin, the deep plane facelift works beneath the surface. Dr. Azizzadeh explains that this advanced approach repositions the deeper layers of facial tissue and fat pads, restoring natural contours and movement rather than creating a pulled or overdone appearance. The result is a refreshed, balanced, and authentically youthful look that lasts.
During the interview, Dr. Azizzadeh also addresses the growing shift in public perception surrounding facial rejuvenation. Once a topic shrouded in secrecy, plastic surgery is becoming more openly discussed—especially as celebrities and public figures share their personal experiences. This new transparency is helping to remove the stigma once associated with facelifts, encouraging people to view facial surgery as a form of self-care and confidence-building rather than vanity.
As Dr. Azizzadeh notes, achieving results that look natural yet transformative requires both artistry and surgical precision—qualities that have earned him recognition as one of the world’s leading experts in facial rejuvenation and deep plane facelift techniques.
Watch the full ABC News & Nightline segment featuring Dr. Babak Azizzadeh to learn how this innovative procedure is redefining what it means to age gracefully and look “forever 35:
ELLE Covers the Comeback of Sculptra in Modern Aesthetic Treatments
The latest ELLE feature, “Why Is Everyone Gossiping About Sculptra?” explores the growing buzz around Sculptra, a collagen-stimulating injectable that’s experiencing a major resurgence among both patients and top cosmetic experts. Once primarily used to treat facial volume loss caused by HIV lipoatrophy, Sculptra is now gaining popularity for its ability to restore firmness, thickness, and structure to the skin—making it one of the most talked-about treatments in facial aesthetics.
In the article, Dr. Babak Azizzadeh, world-renowned facial plastic surgeon and founder of the CENTER for Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery, shares his insights on Sculptra’s evolving use in modern facial rejuvenation. He notes that some surgeons are now using hyperdiluted forms of Sculptra to strengthen soft tissue and prepare the skin for future procedures, such as deep-plane facelifts. This preparatory collagen boost, Dr. Azizzadeh explains, can enhance the quality and longevity of surgical outcomes by improving tissue firmness and resilience.
However, Dr. Azizzadeh also offers an important note of caution: while Sculptra can deliver impressive, natural-looking results, improper use or over-injection can lead to fibrous changes that may complicate future surgeries. As with any cosmetic procedure, he emphasizes the importance of expert technique, careful timing, and personalized treatment planning.
This thoughtful discussion highlights Dr. Azizzadeh’s continued leadership in advancing natural, safe, and long-lasting approaches to facial rejuvenation—and reinforces why ELLE and other leading media outlets turn to him for expert commentary on aesthetic innovation.
👉 Read the full article on ELLE: Why Is Everyone Gossiping About Sculptra?
How Sculptra Is Being Used Today in Injectable Collagen-Boosting Treatments
In this ELLE article, Dr. Babak Azizzadeh highlights how Sculptra, a biostimulatory injectable, is being used in a hyper-diluted form to thicken and strengthen the soft-tissue scaffold—skin and fat pads—prior to structural procedures such as the deep-plane facelift. He notes that this preparatory collagen build-up can enhance the quality and longevity of surgical results by improving tissue firmness and resilience ahead of the lift. At the same time, he advises that timing and technique are key, as overuse or poorly planned injections can introduce fibrous changes that might complicate future surgical mobility.
Link to the article: ELLE – “Sculptra Beauty Treatment Trend Explained”
Dr. Azizzadeh Quoted in Vogue on Peptide-Based Hair Serum Science
BEVERLY HILLS, CA - In a recent feature published by Vogue, board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Babak Azizzadeh was featured as one of the expert voices weighing in on peptide-based hair growth products. The article highlights a growing trend in scalp care, where ingredients once reserved for facial skincare are now being applied to support thicker, stronger hair.
Peptides, short chains of amino acids, act as cellular messengers to signal repair and regeneration. Applied to the scalp, they can extend the hair growth phase, strengthen follicles, and improve texture, supporting a healthy scalp foundation for healthy hair.
Dr. Azizzadeh, a dual board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, discussed several peptide formulations reviewed by Vogue. He noted The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum's proprietary technologies—Redensyl, Procapil, and Capixyl—target follicle stem cells, strengthen hair, and improve density. He explained that Divi Scalp Serum uses copper tripeptide-1 to extend the growth phase and acetyl tetrapeptide-3 to increase follicle size and anchoring. For the Better Not Younger Superpower+ Serum, he highlighted Procapil's role in enhancing thickness and reducing thinning.
Dr. Azizzadeh's insights reflect his expertise in how skin and tissue health affect facial aesthetics, including the scalp, and his commitment to evidence-based guidance on non-surgical treatments that complement surgical care.
Read the full Vogue article here:
Seeking Fuller, Thicker Hair? Peptides for Hair Growth May Be Your Answer
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- Dr. Azizzadeh Featured on VOGUE.com on PDRN Skincare
- Non-Surgical Facial Rejuvenation Options at the CENTER for Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery
- Best Treatments for Melasma on the Face
Why More Patients Are Returning for Second and Third Facelifts
BEVERLY HILLS, CA - More people are getting second and third facelifts due to longer lifespans, better surgical methods, and a desire to maintain results into later life. Facial plastic surgeons are seeing more follow-up procedures, sometimes over a decade later, per The New York Post. Contributing factors include patients getting initial facelifts younger (early 40s), loose facial skin from rapid weight loss drugs like Ozempic, and faster recovery times encouraging repeat surgeries.
Dr. Babak Azizzadeh, a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon at the CENTER for Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills, shared his perspective on the trend. Patients returning for a second facelift aren't chasing their 20s, he noted. They simply want to look healthy, refreshed, and natural for their age. He also emphasized that repeat procedures carry added complexity. Because the anatomy has already been altered, the surgeon performing a revision must have a high level of expertise in facial nerve function and tissue handling to achieve safe, balanced results.
A 78-year-old attorney had a second facelift 17 years after her first. With Dr. Azizzadeh, hyperbaric oxygen and laser therapy ensured a swift recovery; minimal bruising was gone in a week. Viewing it as ongoing self-care, she would readily repeat the procedure.
As facelift techniques continue to evolve and patients live more active lives into their later decades, the demand for revision facelifts is expected to keep rising. For those considering a second or third procedure, choosing a surgeon with specialized experience in revision facelifts and deep facial anatomy is key to achieving long-lasting, natural-looking outcomes.
Read the full New York Post feature here:
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