In the quest for self-confidence and improved self-esteem, more Australians are turning to cosmetic injectables, a recent study reveals.
Commissioned by Merz Australia and conducted by Metis Healthcare Research, an Australia-wide survey titled ‘Understanding the mindset and motivations of patients seeking treatment with cosmetic injectables’ shines a light on the deep connection between our physical appearance and how we feel about ourselves.
The survey involved 924 participants, consisting of those who have received cosmetic injections within the past year (700 patients; 85% female, 15% male) and those who ‘are seriously considering cosmetic injections but have not yet made a decision’ (224 patients; 79% female, 21% male). The survey found the direct correlation between physical appearance and a patient’s sense of self holds ‘great importance, as appearance profoundly influences self-esteem and self-confidence’.
Confidence social life & social media
It can be argued the reasons individuals seek cosmetic injections go beyond mere aesthetics and encompass emotional and social factors. The survey highlighted that boosting confidence and enhancing self-esteem ‘become major driving forces across all age groups’.
A staggering 84% of respondents acknowledge the impact of physicalappearance on their self-image. This sentiment is especially pronounced amongst younger participants under 50.
About 54% of individuals feel their appearance influences their confidence in social scenarios, with a noticeable emphasis within the 18-29 age group. Furthermore, more than half view their looks as closely tied to their mental health and personal relationships.
The survey noted that, among those currently seriously considering cosmetic injections:
- 85% believe their confidence will improve;
- 75% believe they will feel more confident to attend social events;
- 76% believe their overall mood will improve; and
- 69% believe they will be happier.
The survey noted motivations for considering cosmetic injections based on physical aspects tend to vary with age. As individuals grow older, the focus shifts from desiring to enhance or improve perceived ‘flaws’ or undesirable features to seeking restoration or rejuvenation.
Decisions to undergo cosmetic procedures are often inspired by friends, family or social media. In response to the question ‘who led or prompted you to consider cosmetic injections’:
- Friends, family or colleagues influenced 51% of the 18-29 group, 47% of 30-49 group and 40% of those 50+; and
- Social media influencers or celebrities affected 36% of the 18-29 group, 22% of 30-49 group and 9% of those 50+.
The survey reported both a ‘strong emphasis on physical appearance’ and ‘recognition of societal influence’, overall. To the statement ‘the way people are perceived depends heavily on their physical appearance’, 71% agreed (77% of those aged 50+).
To the statement ‘life is easier for people who are physically attractive’, 76% agreed (79% of those aged 18-29).
To the statement ‘societies’ beauty standards have a strong influence on how I feel about my appearance’, 63% agreed (72% of those aged 18-29).
The new beauty regimen?
Across all age brackets, a significant portion of participants views cosmetics injectables as integral to their beauty regimen, with many planning to increase their use.
In the survey, 62% of those aged 30-49 reported that ‘I get cosmetic injections as part of my beauty routine’ – and 46% of that age group intend to increase their use of cosmetic injections over the next five years.
Similarly, it found 56% of those aged 50+ reported cosmetic injections are now ‘part of my beauty routine’ – and 27% of that group also intend to increase their use of cosmetic injections over the next five years.
And among the younger 18-29 user group, 47% confirmed cosmetic injections are now ‘ part of my beauty routine’ – and 34% of that group also intend to increase their use of cosmetic injections over the next five years.
Notably, the survey also explored barries to choosing injectables, with financial constraints and fears of unnatural-looking results topping the list of concerns.
Mental heath disorders high among cosmetic patients
The survey highlighted an alarming link between mental health issues, such as anxiety and mood disorders, and the pursuit of cosmetic treatments, especially among younger individuals.
The study found 59% of 18- to 29-year-old patients seeking treatment with cosmetic injectables are experiencing symptoms of mental health disorders.
Among that cohort, 40% reported having been medically diagnosed with anxiety disorder – and a further 36% were currently experiencing symptoms of this condition.
In addition, 28% of the 18-29 group had been medically diagnosed with a mood disorder (eg, depression or bipolar disorder) – and a further 23% were currently experiencing symptoms of these conditions.
The survey also found that among the older 30-49 group, 41% had similarly been medically diagnosed and/or were currently experiencing symptoms of combinations of the same list of mental health disorders.
Even among older patients aged 50+, 32% of those seeking treatment with cosmetic injectables had previously been medically diagnosed and/or were currently experiencing symptoms of one of those same disorders.
On a positive note, when those currently receiving injections were asked how feelings towards their own physical appearance have ‘changed over the course of your life’:
• 55% of those aged 18-29 reported more positive feelings; and
• 47% of those aged 30-49 reported more positive feelings.
The survey also noted the benefits of cosmetic injections often go beyond aesthetics – resulting in ‘perceived, and often significant, psychological benefits’, notably in ‘self-receiving cosmetic injections, 93% reported improvement in self-confidence, 87% reported improvement t in self-esteem or feelings of self-worth, and 85% reported feeling happier. CBM
