Consumers prefer dermatologists for cosmetic procedures

Nearly 30% of consumers are considering cosmetic procedures, naming dermatologists as the greatest influence on their decision, according to a survey conducted by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.

The blind online survey of more than 6,300 consumers gathered opinions on cosmetic surgeries in general, whether a consumer previously had a cosmetic treatment and whether a consumer was considering a future cosmetic procedure. Consumers also were asked to rate 10 specific procedures, choose a type of physician for those procedures and state the most important factor in selecting that specialist.

Nearly 30% of respondents reported considering a cosmetic treatment, with 6.4% of those surveyed having already undergone a procedure. Dermatologic surgeons were picked by consumers as the physician of choice for 90% of desired procedures. Board certification was selected as the most important factor in picking a physician compared with cost, physician referral and eight other choices. Consumers gave the highest overall satisfaction rates to dermatologists for cosmetic procedures.

The top reasons for considering cosmetic treatments cited by consumers were: “[wanting to look] as young as I feel for my age,” “[wanting to] appear more attractive,” and “[wanting to] feel more confident.” More than 80% of respondents selected excess weight as the most bothersome cosmetic condition.

“Board certification tells potential patients that a doctor is highly trained and most qualified to care for their skin health and beauty needs,” ASDS President Timothy C. Flynn, MD, said in an ASDS press release. “That training and qualifications are key reasons consumers choose dermatologic surgeons.”