Depending on how old you are, you may or may not remember that there was a time when “having work done” on the face or body was considered to be a sign of over-the-top vanity, reserved for older, wealthy females. Today, cosmetic procedures have become increasingly popular among people of all ages across the globe. 

In fact, a recent survey conducted by Allergan found that more than 73% of aesthetically conscious consumers expect to spend money on a physician-administered cosmetic treatment in the next year. 

Perhaps more surprisingly, the study also found that 82% of Millennials (ages 21-35) surveyed believe injectable treatments are socially acceptable. 

The Allergan 360˚ Aesthetics Report™ leaves little room for doubt that times have changed and that we are living in an era of openness about #bodygoals among people of varying ages, cultures, and genders—and acceptance regarding the use of aesthetic medicine to reach them. 

Key findings of the survey

Allergan surveyed over 14,500 aesthetically conscious consumers and 1,300 physicians in 18 countries in order to examine the medical aesthetic market and understand emerging trends in the industry. Some key findings include:

• 69% of consumers surveyed say looking their best is important for their daily activities

• 64% of consumers surveyed say looking fit, healthy, and on-trend contributes to their confidence

• 73% of consumers surveyed expect to spend money on aesthetic medicine in the next year

• 53% of consumers surveyed would consider a non-invasive body contouring treatment

• 32% of consumers surveyed are considering a facial injectable treatment within the next year

• 19% of consumers surveyed would consider a body contouring treatment within the next year

• 33% of Millennials surveyed are likely to consider preventative treatment, compared to 24% of those age 36-55 and 13% of those 56-65

• 39% of Millennials surveyed are likely to consider treatment as soon as they notice a concern, compared to 32% of those 36-55 and 21% of those 56-65

• 62% of aesthetic physicians surveyed expect to see an increase in patients seeking treatment in the next year

• 53% of aesthetic physicians surveyed believe they should begin to see females in their 20s

• 38% of aesthetic physicians surveyed believe they should begin to see males in their 20s, if only for skincare

Consumer questions and concerns

When Allergan set out to conduct the survey, the company was looking to get as full a picture of the medical aesthetic market as possible. This meant looking at what consumers want, what they consider acceptable, and what they’re concerned about.  The survey concluded that consumers are interested in looking and feeling healthier and more vital. In the US in particular, “healthy” and “natural” showed up in the top four words used to describe beauty by women in all age groups. And not surprisingly, the report showed that 53% of consumers worldwide are concerned about unnatural results from surgical or non-surgical aesthetic procedures.   

Physicians surveyed reported that the top three concerns raised in first appointments include:

1. Cost

2. Effectiveness of treatment

3. Safety

But the report also reveals that consumers do a fair amount of research before they even make it in to that first appointment. The Internet and social media play a significant role in the research habits of the aesthetically conscious consumer: 

• 37% use the Internet to search about specific problem areas or treatments

• 32% use social media to search about specific problem areas or treatments

• 28% start searching online to find a physician who can administer aesthetic treatments

• US Millennials use Facebook (93%), Instagram (82%), and Snapchat (56%) as a leading source of information

The accessibility of information about aesthetic treatments has made today’s consumers more curious and more knowledgeable about prevention, skincare, injectables, and body contouring procedures than ever before.  

Are body positivity and aesthetic medicine complementary?

Interestingly, the Allergan report reveals that the body positivity movement (self-love, acceptance, and self-appreciation) has given younger generations a broadened definition of beauty.  The women surveyed were asked to define beauty, and the findings showed US Millennials in particular more likely to use the word “curvy” in their definitions than women in other age groups.

Some people argue that body positivity and aesthetic medicine contradict each other because the former is about self-acceptance and the latter is about changing your physical appearance. Others present the idea of body positivity as the development of a healthy relationship with your body, food, and exercise, regardless of your size.  They argue that this healthy relationship is not undermined by reaching for aesthetic goals of any kind. 

Dr. Jonquille Chantrey, an aesthetic surgeon in the United Kingdom put it this way: “The growing acceptance of aesthetic treatments has empowered women and men around the world to consider these options as part of the process to realising one’s potential.” 

If the body positivity movement is about having a healthy relationship with one’s body, and aesthetic medicine is about empowerment through personal choices, then perhaps seeing the two on the rise at the same time means they are not contradictory but are instead complementary. 

Enhance your natural beauty at Siti Med Spa in San Diego

At Siti Med Spa, we’re not surprised to see aesthetic treatments on the rise. Confidence is sexy, and people want to feel great about themselves. With the right practitioner, the right treatment, and a healthy state of mind, you can use aesthetic medicine to enhance your natural beauty and boost your confidence so you look and feel your best. And there’s nothing wrong with that!

Ready to set some #beautygoals? Give us a call today at (619) 717-8484 to schedule your consultation.