Costs, Uncertainty May Cause Consumers to Delay Cosmetic Procedures: ASDS

Cost, fear of suboptimal results, and uncertainty over choosing a provider are the key concerns that may deter prospective patients from receiving cosmetic treatments, new findings  from the 2015 American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Consumer Survey on Cosmetic Dermatologic Procedures show.

In response to the findings, ASDS President George J. Hruza, MD, MBA said those concerns can be successfully resolved. That contention is backed by high satisfaction rates expressed by those who have procedures.  Several procedures frequently performed by ASDS members – including wrinkle-relaxing injections, soft-tissue fillers and laser/light-based procedures to improve skin tone – earned patient satisfaction ratings of 84 percent or higher.

This marks the third straight year that survey respondents listed these three factors as the top reasons to hold off on pursuing a cosmetic procedure.

While acknowledging cost is always important to consumers, Hruza said patients receive tremendous value from cosmetic procedures performed by ASDS members considering their advanced level of training and expertise. ASDS members performed more than 6 million cosmetic procedures in 2014, according to the Society’s procedures survey.

“Cost is a potential barrier for every purchase a consumer considers,” Dr. Hruza said. “Consumers who prioritize healthy-looking skin and a more youthful appearance receive great value when they choose to invest in themselves.”

In addition to detailing why some consumers are holding off, the survey also reveals reasons why others have procedures – such as wanting to look younger, appear more attractive and feel more confident.

For more information on the survey, visit asds.net.