According to a survey by Wakefield Research, 91% of women consider non-surgical cosmetic procedures more acceptable now than 10 years ago.

Staying as beautiful as you feel can take a little ‘work’, and women today are not afraid to admit it. Being open about cosmetic treatments can be empowering. And a new survey  reveals how acceptable they’ve become. American women report that they would feel more embarrassed to reveal their weight (64%) than their cosmetic treatments (36%).

In fact, 91% of women believe non‑surgical cosmetic procedures are more acceptable now compared to 10 years ago, according to the recent survey for Fraxel® conducted by Wakefield Research.

Leading dermatologists have confirmed this attitude among their patients. ‘In my practice, there is more acceptance today of non-surgical cosmetic procedures, especially laser therapy, because of the advancements in laser fractional technology and consumers’ understanding of these treatments,’ explains Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi of Washington DC’s Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery.

Transforming laser skin resurfacing

Ten years ago, Fraxel technology was introduced as a pioneer in fractional laser treatments, and it transformed laser skin resurfacing. Dr. Vic Narurkar of San Francisco-based Bay Area Laser Institute says, ‘In my opinion, the results Fraxel delivers are outstanding. Patient downtime is usually minimal and the outcomes are amazing — for diverse skin types and various ages, and the types of treatments.’

Fraxel technology allows dermatologists to provide treatment options that result in an improved, natural look. Consumers today want to look more natural, not ‘overdone’ or fake, agree both Dr. Narurkar and Dr. Tanzi. These leading dermatologists use Fraxel as part of an overall healthy skin regimen for patients. And it seems they’re onto something.

‘Maintaining healthy skin and aging gracefully are priorities for my patients,’ says Dr. Tanzi. ‘It’s not about substantially reversing the clock or looking exponentially younger, it’s about slowing the aging process and looking their best without surgery.’

Leading-edge dermatologists like Drs. Narurkar and Tanzi understand patients’ desires to maintain healthy-looking skin as they age. Being proactive about one’s skin is a more acceptable option in today’s world, and this shift in patients’ attitudes has shifted how these doctors work with patients.

Dr. Narurkar calls his approach ‘a complete non-surgical skin rejuvenation,’ while Dr. Tanzi calls hers ‘an anti-aging, healthy skin regimen.’ Both are advocating and recommending an approach to patient skin care that includes treatments such as fractional laser therapy, dermal fillers, neuromodulators and skin care products customized for the patient.

Also, according to the Wakefield Research survey, women are open to this approach. Nearly half (47%) of the women surveyed are willing to try a non-surgical cosmetic treatment, and younger women are even more agreeable to it: 55% of Millennials vs. 40% of Boomers.

Building relationships

By using non-surgical procedures to build relationships with patients for long-term skin care, dermatologists become health advisors versus simply selling a package of treatments, according to Dr. Tanzi. She believes this is the future for dermatologists and the method to grow their practices.

‘Patients look at skin care and regular visits to their dermatologists as a small, necessary investment,’ she explains. ‘Getting patients on a regimen for healthy skin while still in their 30s and 40s is not only the foundation of a solid anti-aging plan, but also ensures the growth of a long-term, trusted relationship. As we age, the amount of maintenance required to keep a youthful look will increase, but getting started early is a huge advantage. I have these treatments done regularly myself and have seen the benefits of this type of maintenance program first‑hand with my patients.’

Fraxel technology

Fraxel laser therapy has become a crucial piece of overall skin care because it’s one of the most well-researched lasers in its treatment category, and is continually improved upon to keep up with the latest advancements.

‘I have tried other products and devices, and prefer Fraxel,’ says Dr. Narurkar. ‘Part of building relationships with patients is providing consistently effective procedures. Patients must trust their dermatologists and dermatologists must trust the equipment and technology they use.’

Dr. Narurkar continues, ‘There are very few things introduced in dermatology or plastic surgery that literally change the industry, that change how physicians think about and approach skin care. Fraxel is one of them. And, even a decade later, Fraxel remains a market leader in fractional laser skin technology, with minimal downtime, while delivering consistent, amazing results.’

*The Fraxel Survey was conducted by Wakefield Research (www.wakefieldresearch.com) among 500 nationally representative US women ages 18+ between March 25th and April 1st, 2015, using an email invitation and an online survey. Quotas have been set to ensure reliable and accurate representation of the 18+ US female population.

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