ZUG, SWITZERLAND-- April 19, 2023 -- New global research, sponsored by Galderma and released today by leading filler brand Restylane, has revealed the prevalent societal misconceptions and stereotypes facing the aesthetics industry. Forty percent of respondents admitted they would discourage others from using facial injectables to reduce wrinkles or provide volume. A further 34% said they believed the results of such treatments look fake and unnatural.

Despite holding these views, when the same respondents were presented with a range of images of people who had undergone filler treatments, the data told another story. On average, 4 out of 5 people could not always identify those who had received filler. This highlights the common misconceptions about these types of treatments and the results they deliver.

The perceptions surrounding the use of temporary fillers stand in stark contrast to those around the use of permanent beauty treatments such as tattoos, body piercings and dental corrections. Tattoos and body piercings are primarily seen as a positive form of self-expression (30% of respondents agreed for tattoos, and 24% for body piercings). 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.”

DR. LUIZ AVELAR
PLASTIC SURGEON
BELO HORIZONTE, BRAZIL

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 Restylane to a friend.[4,6]

Media leads in debunking misconceptions

The 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 Z 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.

“I’m finding the newer generation is even more open-minded and interested when it comes to injectables. They consider aesthetic treatments to further define and enhance how they look and feel. Given that Restylane studies show that those who use dermal fillers feel overwhelmingly positive about their treatment, we are likely to see more people using them as a means of empowerment.”

STEVEN DAYAN, M.D.
FACIAL PLASTIC SURGEON, PROFESSOR AND DIRECTOR OF DENOVA RESEARCH
CHICAGO, ILLNOIS, U.S.

The research appears ahead of a Restylane product placement spot in new action-comedy film Mafia Mamma, directed by Catherine Hardwicke of Twilight fame and co-starring Toni Collette and Monica Bellucci. Mafia Mamma celebrates female empowerment and sees Toni Collette’s character challenging her comically clueless colleagues and their outdated attitudes about the reasons why women chose to undergo aesthetic treatments. While the film uses humor to highlight these stereotypes and the judgements people make about injectables, the attitudinal study highlights how these real-life judgements are still prevalent in society. Such beliefs have a tangible impact on the way people behave toward those considering fillers.

“We believe in championing everybody’s right to pursue their own beauty ideals. Our research findings are shining a spotlight on some of the misconceptions people have about aesthetic treatments. In this way, we hope to better equip people to make the decision that is right for them, without worrying about external pressures and judgements.”

GERRY MUHLE
HEAD OF GLOBAL BUSINESS UNIT, AESTHETICS
GALDERMA