The percentage of consumers considering a cosmetic medical procedure has almost doubled since 2013, according to survey data released today by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS).
Nearly 60 percent of consumers now say they are considering a cosmetic treatment, up from 30 percent just three years ago, according to the ASDS Consumer Survey on Cosmetic Dermatologic Procedures.
“Cosmetic medical treatments continue to grow in popularity,” said ASDS President Naomi Lawrence, M.D. “One of the keys reasons why is because patients trust their dermatologists and the advanced techniques and cutting-edge technologies that will improve their appearance.”
Data from the annual ASDS survey reflects overall consumer views on cosmetic medical treatments and ratings for 10 specific procedures.
For the fourth year in a row, dermatologists ranked as the No. 1 of 14 factors influencing the decision to have a cosmetic procedure. Consumers also rated dermatologists as the physician of choice in eight of the 10 treatment categories.
Of the 11 factors influencing the selection of a practitioner, consumers rated highly the choices involving physician expertise. The specialty in which the physician is board-certified, the level of the physician’s licensure and referral from a physician ranked as three of the four top factors.
“Board certification offers patients peace of mind that their dermatologist has the expertise and training to provide the care for their skin health and beauty needs,” Lawrence said. “Our ASDS members are proven skin experts who are committed to meeting the needs of their patients.”
In two survey questions, ASDS member dermatologists swept all 10 cosmetic treatment categories. The first question – answered by patients whose cosmetic treatments were performed by dermatologists – the majority of respondents in all categories indicated their dermatologist is an ASDS member. In the second question, the majority of prospective patients in all treatment categories said they would consider an ASDS member for their procedure.
The survey also uncovered the reasons why people are turning to cosmetic procedures, with wanting “to feel more confident” as the top reason. Next were wanting “to feel more attractive” and wanting to “look as young as I feel or better for my age.”
About the Survey
Date were obtained through a blind online survey conducted from April 20 to May 1 through the web-based Survata service. The survey received 7,322 responses.
