As clinics were allowed to reopen under local government guidelines several months into the COVID-19 pandemic, many cosmetic dermatologists and aesthetic surgeons had no idea what our schedules would be like. .
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While scheduled appointments, no shows, cancellations, and rebookings seem to wax and wane with surges in COVID-19 cases locally and with associated media coverage, there appear to be several reasons why demand has increased. Because people are wearing masks, they can easily hide signs of recovery or “something new” in their appearance. Patients aren’t typically around as many people and have more time to recover in private. There is also the positive effect a procedure can have on mood and self-esteem during what has been a difficult year. And people have had more time to read beauty and self-care articles, as well as advertisements for skin and hair care on social media.
The Zoom effect
One reason I did not anticipate is the Zoom effect. I don’t intend to single out Zoom – as there are other videoconferencing options available – but it seems to be the one patients bring up the most. Virtual meetings, conferences, and social events, and video calls with loved ones have become a part of daily routines for many, who are now seeing themselves on camera during these interactions as they never did before. It has created a strange new phenomenon.
Dr. Naissan O. Wesley
Patients have literally said to me “I don’t like the way I look on Zoom” and ask about options to improve what they are seeing. They are often surprised to see that their appearance on virtual meetings, for example, does not reflect the way they feel inside, or how they think they should look. Even medical dermatology patients who have had no interest in cosmetic procedures previously have been coming in for this specific reason – both female and male patients.
Dr. Lily Talakoub
Since photography is a hobby, I counsel patients that lighting and shadows play a huge role in how they appear on screen. Depending on the lighting, camera angle, and camera quality, suboptimal lighting can highlight shadows and wrinkles not normally seen in natural or optimal light. In a recent interview on KCRW, the Los Angeles NPR affiliate station, the founding director of the Virtual Human Interaction Lab (VHIL) at Stanford University highlighted work on the effect that Zoom and virtual interactions have had on people during the COVID-19 pandemic. He notes that during a normal in-person meeting or conference, attention is usually on the person speaking, but now with everyone on camera at once, people have the pressure and subsequent feelings of exhaustion (a different type of exhaustion than being there in person) of being seen at all times. To address “Zoom Fatigue,” the VHIL’s recommendations include turning off the camera periodically, or changing the settings so your image is not seen. Another option is to use background filters, including some face filters (a cat for example), which Zoom has created to ease some of the stress of these meetings.
Treatment of horizontal neck lines
Back to the actual in-person office visits: In my experience, all cosmetic procedures across the board, including injectables, skin resurfacing, and lasers have increased. In Dr. Talakoub’s practice, she has noted a tenfold increase in the use of deoxycholic acid (Kybella) and neck procedures attributed to the unflattering angle of the neck as people look down on their computer screens.There has also been an increase in the use of other injectables, such as Botox of the glabella to address scowling at the screen, facial fillers to address the dark shadows cast on the tear troughs, and lip fillers (noted to be 10-20 times higher) because of masks that can hide healing downtime. Similarly, increased use of Coolsculpting has been noted, as some patients have the flexibility of being able to take their Zoom meetings during the procedure, when they otherwise may not have had the time. Some patients have told me that the appointment with me is the only visit they’ve made outside of their home during the pandemic. Once the consultations or procedures are completed, patients often show gratitude and their self-esteem is increased. Some patients have said they even feel better and more productive at work, or note more positive interactions with their loved ones after the work has been done, likely because they feel better about themselves.There have been discussions about the benefits people have in being able to use Zoom and other videoconferencing platforms to gather and create, as well as see people and communicate in a way that can sometimes be more effective than a phone call. As physicians, these virtual tools have also allowed us to provide telehealth visits, a flexible, safe, and comfortable option for both the patient and practitioner. If done in a safe place, the ability to see each other without wearing a mask is also a nice treat.
The gratification and improvement in psyche that patients experience after our visits during this unprecedented, challenging time has been evident. Perhaps it’s the social interaction with their trusted physician, the outcome of the procedure itself, or a combination of both, which has a net positive effect on the physician-patient relationship.
While cosmetic procedures are appropriately deemed elective by hospital facilities and practitioners and should be of lower importance with regard to use of available facilities and PPE than those related to COVID-19 and other life-threatening scenarios, the longevity of this pandemic has surprisingly highlighted the numerous ways in which cosmetic visits can help patients, and the importance of being able to be there for patients – in a safe manner for all involved.
Dr. Wesley and Dr. Talakoub are cocontributors to this column. Dr. Wesley practices dermatology in Beverly Hills, Calif. Dr. Talakoub is in private practice in McLean, Va. This month’s column is by Dr. Wesley. Write to them at dermnews@mdedge.com. They had no relevant disclosures.