2025 ASDS Survey: 70% of Consumers Considering Cosmetic Procedures

Key Takeaways

• A new ASDS survey shows 70% of U.S. consumers considering cosmetic dermatologic procedures, with dermatologists as the top trusted providers.

• The survey showed that social media and rate/review platforms affect provider selection, particularly among younger adults.

• Primary consumer concerns include mid-face aging, periorbital wrinkles, and submental fat.

Seventy percent of Americans are considering a cosmetic dermatologic procedure, trusting board-certified dermatologists as top influencers in patient decision-making, according to the 2025 Consumer Survey on Cosmetic Dermatologic Procedures by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS).

The nationwide survey of more than 3,500 consumers highlighted growing interest in aesthetic treatments, according to the a press release covering the survey results. The most commonly cited motivations included boosting confidence, wanting to look as young as one feels, wanting to appear more attractive, and wanting to reward oneself. Younger female respondents (ages 25 to 44) expressed the highest concern over mid-face lines, wrinkles under the eyes, skin texture, and submental fat. Eighty-five percent reported excess weight as their top aesthetic concern, followed by concerns about skin texture (78%), periorbital wrinkles (78%), and neck fullness (77%).

Injectables and laser-based procedures were sought-after, with newer areas of interest including chemical peels and treatments for facial redness. Male respondents reported higher interest in redness and skin tone treatments than females (43% vs. 35%). Many consumers delay procedures, with cost (24%), fear of side effects (16%), and pain (14%) cited as leading barriers. 

“Dermatologists are the physician of choice in 12 procedure categories and receive 95% or higher overall patient satisfaction in 8 of 15 treatments,” said ASDS President M. Laurin Council, MD, MBA, in the press release. “This reflects ASDS members' history of innovation and mission of providing exceptional patient care.”

Social Media Influence

Online reputation and visibility continue to influence provider selection. Almost half of respondents said a provider's social media presence affects their decision to book a consultation. 94% reported that rate and review websites play a role in provider choice. The Society emphasized the need for continued public education about physician qualifications and transparency, especially in light of increased media attention on adverse events.

“Social media continues to have a strong impact on influencing followers to become patients and engage with their providers,” the Society noted in its report summary. “This reflects the Society’s mission for a physician-led medical team and demonstrates that credentials matter when consumers are selecting a provider.”