The Differences in the Practice of Cosmetic Dermatologic Procedures Between Physicians and Nonphysicians

Abstract

Background: With a rise in demand for cosmetic dermatologic procedures comes an increase in nonphysician providers performing such procedures. However, little is known about the practice of cosmetic procedures performed by nonphysicians.

Objective: To assess the differences in the practice of cosmetic procedures provided by physicians and nonphysicians.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional analysis was performed using participant ( n = 4,062) responses to an 18-point, web-based survey about previous cosmetic procedures.

Results: In total, 1,328 participants reported having previous cosmetic procedures done by a physician ( n = 828), a nonphysician ( n = 413), or an unknown provider ( n = 87). Respondents of all age ranges and male respondents ( p < .001) tended to choose physicians over nonphysician providers when choosing a practice. Moderate adverse events were more frequently seen when nonphysician providers completed cosmetic procedures ( p < .001). Despite a higher frequency (73.3% vs 51.8%) of more moderate complications seen in procedures done by nonphysician providers, over 70% of respondents believe that nonphysician providers are qualified enough to continue performing cosmetic procedures.

Conclusion: People should be encouraged to make an informed decision when choosing a provider because cosmetic procedures are still considered medical procedures.