Merz Aesthetics Publishes Results of Global Confidence Study

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Merz Aesthetics recently announced the results of its inaugural global study, Pillars of Confidence: Global Insights on Aesthetics and Self-Affirmation. Conducted in partnership with Ipsos, the study examines the relationship between self-confidence, aesthetic treatments, and overall well-being.¹

The study surveyed 15,000 adults aged 21 to 75 years across 15 countries, encompassing regions in North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific. Participants either had undergone aesthetic treatments in the past or expressed openness to future procedures.

The study results revealed that 72% of respondents identify as confident individuals, reinforcing the notion that self-assurance is deeply rooted in personal identity. More notably, aesthetic treatments appeared to play a pivotal role in reinforcing this confidence, as 73% of participants reported feeling “empowered” after a procedure, and 69% sought treatments to align their external appearance with their internal self-perception.

“Our Pillars of Confidence research shows what we anecdotally knew to be true—that aesthetic treatments appear to do more than just enhance our appearance; they can help people feel empowered and support their self-confidence journey,” stated Bob Rhatigan, CEO of Merz Aesthetics, in the news release.

Aesthetic Treatments as a Pathway to Empowerment

The study emphasized the connection between aesthetics and self-affirmation. After receiving an aesthetic treatment²:

• 82% of participants felt that they had taken care of themselves
• 79% of participants felt refreshed
• 73% of participants reported feeling more fulfilled
• 72% of participants felt more energized

Shannon Humphrey, MD, FRCPC, FAAD, a cosmetic dermatologist and medical director at Humphrey & Beleznay Cosmetic Dermatology in Vancouver, Canada, emphasized the clinical relevance of these findings in the news release. “The Pillars of Confidence data shows how aesthetic treatments enable patients to take an active role in aligning their self-perception with their outward appearance. As a physician, I see this impact every day. These insights can help us better understand and support our patients as they work toward personal empowerment, which ultimately enhances the care we provide.”

Managing Aging

The Pillars of Confidence study found that 66% of respondents seek aesthetic treatments to manage the aging process, while 61% specifically aim to look younger.

Additionally, attitudes toward aging varied significantly:

• 67% of participants accept aging as a natural part of life
• 46% of participants worry about physical decline
• 33% of participants fear losing their sense of self with age

These insights highlighted the role aesthetic procedures play in bridging the gap between aging and self-identity.²

The Growing Normalization of Aesthetic Procedures

Aesthetic treatments are increasingly seen as part of regular self-care. According to the report, more than half (59%) of study participants consider aesthetic procedures as part of their beauty maintenance routine. Life transitions (33%) and milestone events (31%) also influence decisions to undergo treatments.

Natural-looking results also seem to be a top priority, with 79% of respondents preferring treatments that enhance rather than alter their features. However, concerns remain—49% of respondents worry about unnatural results, 48% prioritize safety, and 45% consider ongoing costs a barrier.²

The Role of Social Perception and Influences

External influences also shape people’s perceptions of aesthetic treatments. The study found:

• 52% of participants say their partner/spouse influences their self-perception
• 48% of participants report health care professionals play a significant role
• 46% of participants learn about aesthetic procedures from social media and/or influencers

Despite a growing openness to discussing aesthetics, 37% of respondents hesitate to talk about their treatments due to fear of judgment. However, the landscape is evolving, with aesthetic procedures increasingly viewed as a standard element of self-care and confidence-building.²

Looking Ahead

Merz Aesthetics’ Pillars of Confidence study provides data that aesthetic treatments contribute to more than just external beauty—they help individuals feel empowered, confident, and in control of their self-image. As the conversation around medical aesthetics continues to shift, clinicians can use perception results to support patients in their pursuit of confidence, self-expression, and overall well-being.

References

1. Merz Aesthetics reveals global data on the connection between confidence, self-affirmation and aesthetic treatments. News release. Merz Aesthetics. January 29, 2025. Accessed January 29, 2025. https://merzaesthetics.com/news/merz-aesthetics-reveals-global-data-on-the-connection-between-confidence-self-affirmation-and-aesthetic-treatments/
2. Pillars of Confidence: Global Insights on Aesthetics and Self Affirmation. Merz Aesthetics. 2025. Accessed January 29, 2025.