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

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.

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

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

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.

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