When approaching a cosmetic patient, there are many
factors to consider. Whether the patient is interested in
botulinum toxins, fillers, cosmeceutical advice, lasers,
light sources, liposuction, a face-lift, or blepharoplasty,
the physician needs to consider the medical condition
of the patient, his or her psychologic tolerance for the
procedure, the suitability of the procedure for the condition
being treated, and patient’s financial ability to pay for
the procedure.
As the numbers of safe and effective procedures for
cosmetic issues continue to increase, so does the
demand for these procedures. According to the American
Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), approximately
3.2 million people were treated with botulinum
toxins in 2006, 1.6 million people received hyaluronic
acid fillers, and 2.1 million people were treated with
lasers or light sources for resurfacing and hair reduction.
1 These numbers continue to increase and patients
who previously had not considered or did not have access
to cosmetic procedures find themselves in a physician’s
office, considering a range of available options.
As more people present for procedures, physicians will
encounter more patients with unrealistic expectations,
untreated psychopathology, and previous untoward events
from prior cosmetic experiences. However, as with any
increase in patient visits, there will be a larger number of
patients for whom the visit to a physician is a transformative
and beneficial experience. Distinguishing between
these two types of patients is critical for patient satisfaction
and thus a successful cosmetic practice.