Abstract
The extent to which demographics drive patients to pursue minimally invasive cosmetic procedures is not well-understood. The aim of this project was to better understand how patient demographics impact motivations for cosmetic procedures, irrespective of the procedure desired. Patient-level information from the Cosmetic Motivation Database was evaluated using linear regression analyses to determine whether geographic region, age, gender, race, and education independently influence patients to pursue any cosmetic treatment or consultation. Patients in the Midwest reported fewer motivations related to cosmetic appearance, mental/emotional health, physical health, social life, and school/work success than those in the South. Patients younger than 45 years reported more mental/emotional health and cost/convenience motives compared to older patients. Men noted fewer motives related to cosmetic appearance, mental/emotional health, and cost/convenience but more related to school/work success. Non-White patients reported more cost/convenience motives. Participants with up to a high school diploma cited more mental/emotional health, physical health, social life, and school/work success motivations than those with post-bachelor’s education. College graduates cited more school/work success motives than those with graduate-level education. In summary, patient’s gender, education, age, location, and race affect why they seek cosmetic treatments. Future research may study younger and less educated patients to improve their access to treatment.
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Funding
This study was funded in part by a Fredric S. Brandt Grant award from the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.
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Study was conceptualized by E.P. and M.A. Acquisition, analysis, and interpretation of data was done by A.M.C, E.P., A.W., and M.A. A.M.C, E.P. and M.A. wrote the main manuscript. All authors reviewed the manuscript.
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Maisel-Campbell, A.L., Waldman, A., Dave, L. et al. Why different types of patients seek cosmetic treatments. Arch Dermatol Res 316, 84 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-023-02813-0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-023-02813-0