Facial Aesthetic Priorities and Concerns: A Physician and Patient Perception Global Survey.

BACKGROUND Minimally invasive and noninvasive facial aesthetic treatments are increasingly popular, and a greater understanding of patient perspectives on facial aesthetic priorities is needed. OBJECTIVES To provide data to aesthetic physicians that may be useful during patient consultations in increasing post-treatment satisfaction by surveying facial aesthetic concerns, desires, and treatment goals of aesthetically conscious men and women, and physicians, in 18 countries. METHODS A global, internet-based survey on desired appearance and experiences with, or interest in, facial aesthetic treatments. Eligible survey respondents were aesthetically conscious adults (21-75 years). Eligible aesthetic physicians were required to see ≥30 patients/month for aesthetic reasons, have 2-30-years' experience in clinical practice, and spend ≥70% of time in direct patient care. RESULTS A total of 14,584 aesthetically conscious adults (mean age, 41 years; 70% women) and 1,315 aesthetic physicians (mean age, 45 years; 68% men) completed the survey. Most surveyed respondents (68%) reported that aesthetic procedures should be sought in their 30s-40s, while surveyed physicians recommended patients seek treatment earlier. Respondents expressed greatest concern over crow's feet lines, forehead lines, facial skin issues, hair-related concerns, and under-eye bags or dark circles; in contrast, physicians tended to underestimate patient concerns about under-eye bags or dark circles, mid-face volume deficits, and skin quality. While both physicians and respondents cited cost as a major barrier to seeking aesthetic treatments, respondents also emphasized safety, fear of injections or procedure-related pain, and concern about unnatural-looking outcomes. CONCLUSIONS This large, global survey provides valuable insight into facial aesthetic concerns and perspectives of aesthetically conscious patients that may be implemented in patient education and consultations to improve patient satisfaction following aesthetic treatments.