Aesthetic Treatments: More Than Just Enhancements, A Path to Empowerment

Aesthetic treatments are often perceived as tools for enhancing physical appearance, but new research from Merz Aesthetics suggests they offer much more. In a comprehensive global study, the company explored the deeper psychological and emotional benefits of aesthetic procedures.¹

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Dermatology Times sat down with Terri Phillips, MD, FAAP, chief medical affairs officer for Merz Aesthetics, to discuss these findings and their implications for dermatologists and aesthetic professionals.

A Global Perspective on Aesthetic Treatments

Merz Aesthetics conducted an extensive survey of 15,000 consumers across 15 countries, encompassing individuals who had previously undergone aesthetic treatments or were considering them in the future. The study revealed insights into the relationship between aesthetic treatments and self-confidence.

"The results of our new global study show that aesthetic treatments appear to do more than enhance just our appearance," Phillips explained. "They help people to feel empowered. They support the self-confidence journey."

The research indicated that self-confidence is a key driver behind the decision to seek aesthetic procedures.

"A majority of the respondents in our study have a very strong sense of self-confidence," Phillips noted. "Seventy-two percent agreed with the statement, 'I am confident in who I am,' which is really nice to see."

The Role of Self-Confidence and Social Well-Being

Beyond self-confidence, the study also uncovered a strong link between aesthetic treatments and overall social well-being.

"Seventy-four percent of our respondents also believe that self-confidence relates to their overall social well-being," said Phillips. "Together, these findings tell us that the decision to get an aesthetic treatment can come from a place of empowerment and that these treatments can impact our self-confidence and self-perception in a very positive way."

This suggests that dermatologists and aesthetic professionals should consider the holistic benefits of their treatments, emphasizing their role in enhancing both external beauty and internal well-being.

Bridging the Gap Between Inner and Outer Self

One of the most striking findings from the study was how aesthetic treatments help individuals align their external appearance with their internal self-perception, Phillips said.

"Our data shows that aesthetic treatments can be more than simple enhancements. They can help individuals narrow the gap that they see between their outward appearance and how they feel internally," she added.

The numbers support this notion:

• 69% of respondents stated they use aesthetic treatments to create a look inspired by how they feel inside.
• 72% felt that these treatments impacted how they viewed themselves.

Generational Differences in Aesthetic Motivations

The study also highlighted generational differences in motivations for seeking aesthetic procedures. Older generations were more likely to cite physical signs of aging as key motivators:

• 82% of Baby Boomers and 75% of Gen X respondents said they sought aesthetic treatments to "manage the aging process."
• Comparatively, only 47% of Gen Z and 60% of Millennials saw aesthetic procedures as part of age management.

Similarly, when asked about their desire to look younger:

• 67% of Baby Boomers and 65% of Gen X respondents cited this as a reason for seeking treatment.
• Meanwhile, 51% of Gen Z and 59% of Millennials provided the same response.

Social Media’s Influence on Younger Generations

While older patients often pursue aesthetic treatments for age-related reasons, younger adults are more influenced by societal beauty standards, social media, and popular culture.

"The data also reveals that respondents from younger adult generations are more highly influenced by social media, societal beauty standards, and by popular media," Phillips said.

The study found that:

• 69% of Gen Z respondents and 59% of Millennials learned about aesthetic treatments on social media or from online influencers.

This suggests that dermatologists and aesthetic professionals should be mindful of the growing influence of digital platforms and ensure they provide accurate, ethical, and evidence-based information to potential patients.

Final Thoughts

Phillips emphasized that aesthetic treatments go beyond physical enhancements—they contribute to a patient’s confidence, self-perception, and overall well-being.

"Aesthetic procedures are not just about looking better; they help individuals feel better about themselves, aligning their outer appearance with their inner confidence," she concluded.

Reference

1. Merz Aesthetics reveals global data on the connection between confidence, self-affirmation and aesthetic treatments. News release. Merz Aesthetics. January 29, 2025. Accessed February 18, 2025. https://merzaesthetics.com/news/merz-aesthetics-reveals-global-data-on-the-connection-between-confidence-self-affirmation-and-aesthetic-treatments/