This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.

Most patients receiving noninvasive treatment would consider more invasive facial surgery

According to data in Aesthetic Surgery Journal, the majority of patients seeking noninvasive treatments in an urban outpatient academic center are employed, highly educated women that believe the procedure will positively impact their appearance, and nearly half have participated in mental health counseling.

The single-institution study included 72 patients aged 25 to 70 years who presented for botulinum toxin or soft tissue filler injections from 2011 to 2014. They completed demographic, informational and psychometric questionnaires prior to treatment.

Joseph F. Sobanko

The mean age of the patients was 47.8 years. They were typically married, employed, had a college or advanced degree and reported an above-average income. Approximately 75% reported earning more than $75,000 annually and 42.3% reported more than $150,000 per year.

The majority were interested in improving the eyes (78.8%). The cheeks (28.1%) and neck (21.1%) were also popular areas.

More than half (57%) believed the minimally invasive treatment would moderately affect their appearance and 25% reported anticipating significant improvements.

The majority of patients (55%) would consider more invasive facial surgery, such as a face-lift.

Most patients heard about treatments from friends (54.9%) and colleagues (25.3%).

Reputation of the institution was the most popular choice for selecting a specific physician (41.7%).

Almost one-third had experienced a major life event within the previous year, such as a death or birth in the family, a new job or loss of a job, or a marriage or divorce.

Nearly half reported a history of mental health treatment (43.1%).

The researchers concluded that these findings reinforce the need to obtain a general psychiatric history at the initial consultation.

Further, a quarter of patients believe the minimally invasive procedure would significantly improve their appearance and may be difficult to satisfy, which could create a discrepancy in outcomes, according to researchers. - by Abigail Sutton

Disclosure: Sobanko reported no relevant financial disclosures. Please see the full study for a complete list of all other authors’ relevant financial disclosures.