Noninvasive Facial Rejuvenation with Dermal Fillers and Neurotoxins, Public's Preference: A Survey Report

Background: At present, mostly plastic surgeons and dermatologists provide minimally invasive cosmetic injection procedure services with dermal fillers and neurotoxins. However, the professional background and technical characteristics of the two are different. The preference of lay public for specialist type in performing dermal filler and neuromodulator procedures for cosmetic purposes is unknown. Methods: An online survey was conducted for a period of 2 weeks and surveyees were sampled using purposive sampling method on Instagram. Participants were asked a series of questions to choose their preferred specialist for performing cosmetic injection procedures. Additionally, rate of satisfaction of patients with their respective doctors, incidence of posttreatment complications in patients and their successful or unsuccessful management by their respective specialists were measured. Results: Two hundred and one respondents undertook the survey. Plastic Surgeons were identified as the most preferrable specialist to perform cosmetic injection procedures (59.4%), plastic surgeons were also deemed to be the most skilled professionals among other specialists for such procedures (60.7%). Patients who already have history of such procedures, mostly went to plastic surgeons (53.6%). Additionally, patients who chose plastic surgeons as their injectors reported a higher degree of satisfaction and successful management of their posttreatment complications as compared to dermatologists and other specialists. Conclusion: Plastic surgeons are recognized as the preferred specialist over dermatologists and other specialists to perform injectable procedures. Patients of plastic surgeons express greater degree of satisfaction as compared to patients of other injectors. Post- procedure complications in patients are inevitable, however successful treatment of such complications by the particular injector leads to a more satisfied patient who develops a trust on that particular specialist for future procedures