When it comes to consumer decisions on cosmetic procedures and skin care choices, dermatologists are the leading influencers, results of the 2019 American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) Consumer Survey on Cosmetic Dermatologic Proceduressuggest. This is the seventh year that dermatologists have taken the top spot for influence among 15 factors that impact consumers’ decisions to have a cosmetic procedure. 

Consumers also rated dermatologists as the top resource for skin care product decisions and physician of choice in five of 10 treatment categories, including injectable wrinkle-relaxers; soft-tissue fillers; laser / light therapy for skin redness, tone and scars; vein treatments; and tattoo removal.

In selecting a practitioner, the specialty in which the physician is board certified and the level of the physician’s licensure ranked as primary influencing factors. More than 60 percent of the dermatologists seen by survey respondents are ASDS members.

Consumers’ strong interest in cosmetic procedures continues this year with almost 70 percent of consumers considering a cosmetic treatment. Excess weight (84 percent), excessive fat under the chin (73 percent), skin texture and/or discoloration (71 percent) and lines and wrinkles around or under the eyes (70 percent) have consistently been their leading concerns for five years in a row. The desires to feel more confident, appear more attractive, look as young as they feel and do something for themselves were the primary motivations behind exploring cosmetic procedures.

The top five treatments and percentage of consumers considering them include:

• Body sculpting, 58 percent

• Ultrasound, laser, light and radiofrequency treatments for smoothing wrinkles or tightening skin, 56 percent

• Laser hair removal, 51 percent

• Microdermabrasion, 51 percent

• Injectable wrinkle relaxer, 47 percent

Online resources and social media are impacting consumers’ selection of their provider, cosmetic procedure and skin care purchases. Social media ranked in the top three factors in buying decisions for skin care products and ranked sixth among factors influencing the decision to have a cosmetic treatment. A provider’s social media presence influenced 43 percent of consumers’ decisions to schedule an appointment, and 41 percent of patients follow their current or potential provider on social media. Influencers and celebrities have the largest portion of consumer attention with 95 percent following, viewing and engaging in their content.

Consumers are also seeking information on previous patients’ experiences by utilizing rate and review websites. These resources impact 69 percent of consumers on their decision for a cosmetic procedure provider. Top sites visited are:

• WebMD, 20 percent

• Facebook, 12 percent

• Physician website, 11 percent

• Yelp, 11 percent

• Healthgrades, 10 percent.