Dermatologists' Perceptions and Confidence in Cosmetic Care for Male Patients

Abstract

Background: Despite a growing interest in nonsurgical cosmetic procedures in men, the utilization of aesthetic treatments remains comparatively low, suggesting the presence of barriers to care.

Objective: To describe barriers to cosmetic intervention for male patients from the perspective of dermatologists.

Materials and methods: An anonymous, online survey was distributed through a listserv made available by the American Academy of Dermatology.

Results: Dermatologist respondents perceived a low utilization of cosmetic services in male patients (5%) and a lack of opportunity (72.3%) to provide such services. Respondents also perceived a lack of sufficient education/training (40.9%), experience (20.5%), and a lack of evidence in the field (20.5%) for dermatologists as potential barriers to cosmetic care for male patients. Presence of targeted messaging and in-office educational materials for male patients was found to be associated with increased utilization of cosmetic treatments by male patients (p = .012, p = .012, respectively). Dermatologists reported strong confidence in delivering various noninvasive cosmetic treatments to male patients.

Conclusion: Despite dermatologists' reported confidence in performing cosmetic procedures in men, many perceive insufficient education/training and experience with this population which may create barriers to cosmetic care for male patients. Increasing educational materials and targeted messaging to male patients may decrease barriers for patients to receive desired cosmetic care.