Medical aesthetic treatments are on consumers’ minds, with more than a third of U.S. adults considering cosmetic procedures in the next year, according to a new Harris Poll survey done on behalf of RealSelf.
The percentage considering a cosmetic treatment in the next 12 months is even higher, at 49%, for adults younger than 45 years.
"In many ways, younger adults are shifting the way society views cosmetic procedures — they are more open to the idea that beauty is individualized and customizable, and that cosmetic interventions represent their personal choices about their own bodies for their own confidence," Lara Devgan, M.D., MPH, RealSelf chief medical officer and plastic surgeon, said in a company press release.
Among other findings: 80% of Americans say they want to change at least one part of their body, with most targeting their teeth or midsections.
In addition, more people are interested in nonsurgical than surgical procedures.
While confidence boosting is a primary motivator for wanting aesthetic change, work-related reasons are also important reasons why adults are considering one or more procedures. Especially men say they want to appear more youthful for work or to start new jobs.
What’s potentially stopping these people from going ahead with aesthetic procedures? According to the RealSelf Aesthetics Interest Survey, most say treatment costs and fear of complications or bad results are hurdles. Other big concerns include finding the right provider, downtime, fear of looking like they’ve had work done and not being sure about the right treatment options. One in 10 of those surveyed indicated the stigma associated with choosing to have cosmetic surgery was a concern.
RealSelf released the survey results September 26, 2018, which show the top five nonsurgical treatments under consideration are cosmetic dentistry, nonsurgical fat reduction, laser hair removal, facial skin treatments (such as microneedling) and facial and lip filling. The top five surgical procedures being considered are abdominoplasty, liposuction, blepharoplasty, chin or neck lift, with breast augmentation and facelift tied for fifth place.
Men and women, according to the survey, seem equally interested in having aesthetic treatments in the coming year.
More than 2000 U.S. adults, ages 18 and older participated in the online survey by The Harris Poll from July 10 to 12, 2018, according to RealSelf, an online marketplace for people to learn and share experiences about cosmetic procedures and connect with treatment providers.
