Sponsored by Merz Aesthetics “What is so fascinating about the data is that it helps create a meaningful bridge between how people see themselves and interact with the world. One simple change can help someone put a little pep in their step and move forward in life with more enthusiasm. The way aesthetics can help fuel inner confidence is truly amazing.” —Sheila Farhang, MD Participants did not receive monetary compensation but did accumulate points to be redeemed for a variety of rewards. The study was conducted in adherence to the standards of ESOMAR and the Interna-tional Chamber of Commerce/ESOMAR In-ternational Code on Market and Social Re-search. Qualifying participants have either had an aesthetic treatment or are open to having one. Participants were aged 21 to 75, and 75% were female. Dd . REFERENCES: 1. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ confidence (65%) and affect their openness to interact-ing with new people (52%). The findings were similar across the globe. “These findings tell an important story, as self-perception often influences our interactions with others, self-assurance in professional settings, and personal re-lationships,” Dr. Farhang adds. “Patients in my ‘after’ photos smile a lot more, and their posture is more confident than in ‘before’ pictures as they are excited about what’s to come.” In the field of psychology, identity discrep-ancy refers to a mismatch between how an individual perceives themself and how they believe others see them, and this all-too-common phenomenon can easily erode self-confidence. 2 “Aesthetic treatments, however, can realign identity and boost self-confidence,” Dr. Farhang explains. “This survey shows that aesthetic treat-ments are one possible route to increased self-confidence, but this is not to say that it is necessarily right for everyone.” optimize outcomes, and minimize the risks dissatisfaction,” Dr. Farhang says. There are many high-profile voices out there who espouse advice and promote beauty standards that may or may not be helpful or even attainable, and in some cas-es can even be harmful. “Our voices, from a healthcare provider perspective, are need-ed to cut through the noise and provide honest insights that will help prospective patients look and feel their best,” she adds 2. Smith J. Identity discrepancy and psychological health. In: Brown R, ed. Advances in Psychology . Springer; 2020:123-145. I Do Want to Talk About It Once cloaked in secrecy and spoken about only in hushed tones just a few years ago, aesthetic treatments have officially come out of the shadows and are now a normal part of the beauty and self-care conversa-tion, especially among younger genera-tions. In fact, more than half (52%) of peo-ple in North America are very or somewhat comfortable discussing aesthetic treat-ments with others, according to the survey. “More and more people feel comfortable talking about cosmetic procedures they have had, are planning to have, or would like to have,” says Dr. Farhang. “More than half of respondents to the survey reported seeking aesthetic treatments for regular beauty maintenance, which tells us these services have become a normal part of life for many.” Expectation Management Other seismic shifts in the cosmetic land-scape include how people learn about aes-thetic treatments. Social media and online sources have a notable influence on peo-ple surveyed in the U.S., the survey found. “It’s important for healthcare profession-als, including dermatologists, to provide evidence-based information on aesthetic treatments, including their benefits and risks, to help manage patient expectations, Download the full report here: https://merzaesthetics.com/confidence/ About the Survey The online survey occurred between Sep-tember 23, 2024, and October 8, 2024. August/September 2025 | 29
The Dermatology Digest Merz Aesthetics: Page 29
