Majority of Americans prefer non-surgical procedure over liposuction

Mar 6 2010

Almost three-quarters (74%) of American consumers surveyed would prefer a non-surgical procedure over liposuction even if it meant more treatments were needed. According to a survey commissioned by The Patient's Guide, a family of online publications dedicated to specific skin concerns and treatments, 48% of consumers are more interested in results when considering a body contouring procedure than cost (21%), safety (11%), length of recovery (10%), and surgery (10%).

"This year we'll see significant advances in body contouring including treatment of fat and cellulite," said Dr. Eric Bernstein, Director of Laser Surgery and Cosmetic Dermatology Centers, Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania. "Technology is so fast moving in medicine and especially with lasers, that to stay up to date, the web is the only option. Online information about these technologies and where to receive them is critical to matching patients with effective treatments."

As the 68th Annual American Academy of Dermatology Meeting gets underway this week, The Patient's Guide conducted an online survey to assess the attitudes of its audience in anticipation of the new advancements in cosmetic skincare that will be unveiled.  

"The findings from the survey indicate that American consumers are deeply invested in common skincare concerns and treatments," said Jasson Gilmore, Chief Executive Officer of The Patient's Guide.  "The Patient's Guide will continue to provide consumers with the most up-to-date information targeted for their specific concerns, and we're particularly excited to share the breaking news that comes out of the Annual AAD Meeting this month."

The Patient's Guide survey, conducted online on three sites operated by The Patient's Guide – Wrinkles.org, TattooRemoval.net, and Body-Contouring.com – revealed compelling insights about the consumers' preferences on cosmetic treatments.

Among key survey findings:

• While consumers are most interested in non-surgical body contouring options (51%), than minimal surgery options (35%), and surgical options (14%), more consumers (69%) would not opt for a non-invasive fat removal procedure if it cost more than a surgical procedure such as liposuction.
• Most consumers searching for tattoo removal options fall into the 31-40 age range (66%), and got a tattoo of someone else's name (54%) when they were between 18-24 years old (54%).
• Interestingly, most consumers are interested in removing their tattoo because they broke up with someone (48%).
• The majority of consumers surveyed are most concerned with wrinkles (54%) than age spots (14%), sagging skin (17%), facial veins (12%), and enlarged pores (5%).
• Consumers are most interested in injections (43%) as a treatment for wrinkles.