Dermatologists are the number one factor that guide patients’ choices in cosmetic procedures and skin care, according to data from 3,525 online survey responses that were obtained from May 1 to June 20, 2018 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS). This is the sixth consecutive year that dermatologists ranked as the first of 14 factors influencing consumers’ decision to undergo a cosmetic procedure.
The 2018 ASDS Consumer Survey on Cosmetic Dermatologic Procedures also reported that dermatologists are the clinicians of choice in five of 10 popular treatment categories. These included: soft-tissue fillers; vein treatments; wrinkle-relaxers; laser hair removal; as well as laser or light therapy for skin redness, skin tone, and scars.
Notably, in two survey questions, ASDS members led all 10 cosmetic treatment categories. The majority of respondents to the first question—answered by patients whose cosmetic treatments were performed by dermatologists—reported that their dermatologist of choice is a member of ASDS. In the second question, the majority of prospective patients in all treatment categories noted that they would consider an ASDS member for their procedure.
“Patients continue to trust ASDS member dermatologists to offer advanced treatment options and top-tier quality care,” said ASDS President Dr. Lisa Donofrio, owner of Aria Dermatology in Madison, Conn. and associate clinical professor in the Department of Dermatology at both Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven, Conn. and Tulane University School in New Orleans, La. in a press release. “ASDS members are board-certified dermatologists that possess the training and artistic acumen to help patients look and feel their best.”
Other areas of concern that received over 60% of participants’ votes were:
wrinkles in the mid-face, in the forehead area, between the eyebrows,
neck and cheek, as well as overall sagging of the facial skin.
Copyright-free photo from pixabay.com
Factors that draw patients to certain clinicians include: the specialty in which the physician is board-certified, referral from another physician, and the level of the physician’s licensure.
New to the survey this year were questions regarding participants’ skin care product choices. The majority of respondents spend up to $100 per month on skin care products including cleansers, serums, masks, and sunscreens. More than half of consumers would prefer to pay more up front to lower their skin care costs annually.
In addition, the survey highlighted the reasons why patients are turning to cosmetic procedures. The top three spots for six consecutive years are the desires to: feel more confident, feel more attractive, and look as young as I feel or better for my age.
“The popularity of cosmetic procedures grows as patients strive to be the best versions of themselves,” said Dr. Donofrio. “Innovative technology, new minimally and non-invasive treatment options and advances in skin care products offer every patient the opportunity for beautiful and healthy skin.”
The survey also uncovered the top five treatments among the survey participants. The percentages of respondents who have had previous treatments include: ultrasound, laser, light and radiofrequency treatments for smoothing skin (57%), body sculpting (57%), microdermabrasion (51%), laser hair removal (48%), and injectable wrinkle-relaxing injections (47%).