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Research reveals misconceptions and stereotypes facing industry
According to global research sponsored by Galderma and released by filler brand Restylane®, 40% of respondents would discourage others from using facial injectables.
A further 34% said they believed the results of such treatments look fake and unnatural. However, when the same respondents were presented with a range of images of people who had undergone filler treatments, 4 out of 5 people could not always identify those who had received filler.
States a Galderma press release: “The perceptions surrounding the use of temporary fillers stand in stark contrast to those around the use of permanent beauty treatments such as dental corrections. Teeth straightening is viewed by 47% of respondents as a great way to enhance your appearance. Meanwhile, over a third of respondents (35%) believe fillers create unrealistic beauty standards and ideals, while 26% feel they can easily become addictive and 24% say they are an extreme option.”
However, Restylane patient feedback data shows that 96% of people who used fillers felt their treatment exceeded expectations, and 95% of patients had maintained or enhanced the naturalness of their facial expressions after treatment.
“This new research by Restylane highlights the perception that people are choosing procedures such as fillers because they lack confidence or are going to extremes to get their desired look. But this just isn’t the case! The vast majority of the clients I see are opting for small, subtle changes that will help them create their own look and feel empowered to be the best version of themselves. In my opinion, these people are inherently self-confident, know their own minds and are simply taking control of their own looks,” says Brazilian plastic surgeon Dr Luiz Avelar.
The prevalence of societal judgements and the impact they have on how people behave are laid bare in the study. Only 11% of respondents said they would be supportive if a friend or family member told them they were considering using fillers. In contrast, according to Restylane patient feedback, 99% of those who have received treatment would recommend it to a friend.
Survey results also reveal that people see the media as more progressive in its views about aesthetic treatments. 27% percent of respondents said the media portrays injectables as empowering, while just 13% would personally describe them this way. Adult Gen Z7 respondents displayed a more open-minded attitude toward aesthetic procedures and were more likely to see treatments of this nature as empowering (19% in this age group agreed versus 13% overall). They were almost three times more likely to feel positively toward fillers than those over 55 years old, only 7% of whom agreed. Younger consumers also feel that people seeking injectable treatments are inherently more confident.