Motivations and characteristics of patients seeking minimally invasive cosmetic procedures in two Iranian dermatology centers: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Few studies have evaluated patients’ motivations for seeking minimally invasive cosmetic procedures. Objective: This study aimed to assess the demographic characteristics and motivation of patients who seek minimally invasive cosmetic procedures in two academic referral dermatology centers. Methods: The study included adult patients seeking minimally invasive facial cosmetic procedures at two academic dermatology centers in Tehran, Iran, between January 2019 and June 2019. Results: The majority of patients were married, employed women with a mean age of 39.6 ± 10.74 years. The most common region of the face they expected to change was the eyes (56%). Patients who requested fillers desired their cheeks to improve significantly more than patients who requested toxin injections (20.5% vs. 3%; p = .005). Patients had mostly heard about the procedures from friends (40.4%). Approximately one third of patients had experienced a major life event during the preceding year (loss of a family member [50%], marriage [26.9%]). A minority of patients had ever visited a psychiatrist (13.9%), and 15.3% had a history of using psychiatric drugs. The procedure type requested by men was significantly different from that requested by women (88.2% vs. 60.8 % for Botox; 11.8% vs. 34.9% for fillers, and 0% vs. 4.3 % for fat injections; p = .044). The most common motivating factor for patients was gaining rejuvenation (39.2%). The most common preventive factors for patients to undergo the procedures earlier were financial issues (41.7%). Conclusion: Patients seeking minimally invasive cosmetic procedures were married, educated, employed women in their 30s desiring rejuvenation and commonly were not influenced by external factors, such as relationships or the media.

Motivations for Seeking Cosmetic Enhancing Procedures of the Face: A Systematic Review

“…In contrast to past research examining the desire to pursue facial cosmetic enhancements through the lens of psychopathology, 4 this systematic review documents that patient motivations for cosmetic enhancements of the face may be best understood through everyday intrapersonal, social, and behavioral factors. The authors also unearth that the majority of empirical work has focused on intrapersonal factors, such as preventing aging 5,8,[11][12][13][14]21 or negative self-appraisals. 9,10,15,16,20,22,23 Importantly, these factors appear consistent across patient race, gender, age, and country of origin.…”

“…Although intrapersonal and social motivating factors have been well explored in the existing literature, most studies make little mention of the behavioral influences that may motivate patients. 5,8,[10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][20][21][22][23][24]26 Data in this review are limited by the questions that researchers decided to ask their samples because every research group had their own hypothesis into what drives decision making for cosmetic enhancements. No single study explored all 3 tenets of the framework.…”

“…Seventeen of the 21 studies reveal intrapersonal factors as predictive of interest in elective cosmetic procedures of the face. 5,[8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23] Of these 17 studies, 7 document the role of negative appearance based self-appraisals in elective cosmetics. 9,10,15,16,20,22,23 Specifically, these studies report that dissatisfaction with facial features, 9 dissatisfaction with broad body area, 10 dissatisfaction with body fat, 20 poor body image, 16,23 anxiety about appearance, 15 and low selfappraised attractiveness 22 predict patient interest in elective cosmetics of the face.…”

“…14 Similarly, 3 studies of active cosmetic patients reveal that key motivations for pursuing procedures of the face include wanting to "look younger," "better in photographs," and "rejuvenate one's appearance." 5,12,21 Three studies highlight personality traits that underlie interest in elective cosmetics. 16,22,23 One study of university students reveals that low openness, low agreeableness, high emotional stability, and high conscientiousness predict greater patient consideration of cosmetic procedures.…”

First reported case of delayed‐type hypersensitivity reaction to non‐hyaluronic acid Polycaprolactone dermal filler following COVID‐19 vaccination: A case report and a review of the literature

“…Dermal filler injections are among the most popular minimally‐invasive cosmetic procedures performed globally. 1 There exist different types of fillers such as hyaluronic acid (HA), calcium hydroxylapatite, poly‐L‐lactic acid, and collagen‐based fillers. 2 Polycaprolactone (PCL) derivatives are soft dermal fillers that are biodegradable.…”