Minimally Invasive Injectable Cosmetic Procedures Increase Feelings of Authenticity

Abstract

BACKGROUND Minimally invasive cosmetic dermatology procedures continue to be increasingly popular; however, the extant literature has poorly documented the psychological antecedents of interest in cosmetic procedures and their psychological consequences. OBJECTIVE To better inform dermatologists on their patients' motivations for cosmetic enhancement. MATERIALS AND METHODS In a general population survey, an online representative sample of 984 Americans reported the extent to which they feel authentic using the validated authenticity scale and whether they were interested in undergoing a cosmetic procedure. In a prospective dermatology office survey, 102 participants reported their feelings of authenticity immediately before and 2 weeks after receiving a minimally invasive injectable cosmetic procedure. RESULTS In the general population survey, participants interested in cosmetic procedures felt significantly less authentic than participants who were not interested (p = .003). In the prospective dermatology office survey, participants felt significantly more authentic 2 weeks after their minimally invasive injectable cosmetic procedure than before (p = .018). CONCLUSION Lower feelings of authenticity are associated with interest in cosmetic procedures. Participants felt more authentic 2 weeks after receiving a minimally invasive injectable cosmetic procedure. Cosmetic procedures may present patients with an opportunity to feel more like their real, genuine selves.