Authors: Shannon Humphrey, MD , Claudia Andrea Hernández, MD , Jose Raul Montes, MD , Je-Young Park, MD , Daria Voropai, MBBS, BDS , Katherine Warnell, PhD
Abstract: Nonsurgical aesthetic treatments have been found to improve patient confidence; however, the interplay between patient attitudes and aesthetic treatment experiences is not fully understood. The aim of this study was to further characterize the role of confidence and self-perception in the decision to pursue aesthetic treatments and in patient experience of outcomes. A total of 15,155 adults from 15 countries were recruited to participate in a device-agnostic online survey. Qualified participants were adults 21 to 75 years of age who had an aesthetic treatment in the past 12 months or would consider one in the next 24 months. Respondents reported a mismatch between their inner self and outward appearance, which may influence self-perception and social interactions. Individuals viewed aesthetic treatments as more than appearance enhancements, and many considered aesthetic treatments to be acts of self-care and empowerment, integrating them into their regular beauty routines. The strongest influence on individuals’ self-image was close personal relationships, whereas societal norms and social media played a secondary role. Results suggest that confidence derived through aesthetic treatments can shape self-perception and social well-being; moreover, the decision to obtain aesthetic treatment is not at odds with self-confidence and can be an empowering experience.
