With the fast-paced evolution of technology and the increasing impact of the digital sphere, the care for our physical body and digital presence is becoming more linked. Cosmetic dermatology is a key area influenced by this trend.
“The combination of new technology, social media, and telehealth consultations has transformed how people view beauty and interact with dermatologists,” explains
Neelam Vashi, MD, associate professor of dermatology at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine. “Technology should empower patients, emphasizing their uniqueness and authenticity rather than distorting their image.”
Her editorial in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, discusses the need for dermatologists to effectively leverage technological advancements while ensuring high standards of safety, ethics, and patient satisfaction.
Vashi, who also heads the Boston University Cosmetic and Laser Center at Boston Medical Center, elaborates on how tools like artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality, and high-resolution imaging are revolutionizing cosmetic dermatology. These innovations offer patients a clearer visualization of potential results, but Vashi cautions that they come with complications. “AI can quickly formulate suggestions based on vast datasets, yet it can’t capture the intricate nature and variability of human skin and treatment reactions.”
She further points out the “social media effect,” which she categorizes as a double-edged sword. While social media facilitates easy access to cosmetic dermatology information and personal accounts, Vashi highlights the risks posed by influencers lacking expertise, who promote skincare products or procedures and offer potentially harmful advice.
Despite the broadened access to care through telemedicine, Vashi cautions dermatologists about the constraints of virtual consultations. She asserts that certain conditions and treatments necessitate in-person visits to guarantee safety and precision. “Purely relying on virtual consultations overlooks important cues that can only be captured by seeing the patient face-to-face. Dermatologists must balance the convenience of telehealth with the need for physical examinations to adequately support the patient’s safety and aesthetic goals,” Vashi states.
As information and procedures related to cosmetic dermatology become more readily available in the digital era, there is a growing need for heightened awareness, patient education, and regulation. Vashi emphasizes the crucial role that cosmetic dermatologists play in informing patients about the risks tied to self-administered treatments and unregulated online services. “Dermatologists should strongly recommend that treatments be conducted by licensed professionals who follow safety protocols and ethical practices. Moreover, they should advocate for diligent regulatory oversight of digital platforms to reduce misinformation and protect patient safety.”
Vashi wraps up her editorial by discussing the connection between digital beauty ideals and mental health. “It is essential to support our patients and comprehend how social media impacts their mental well-being. Further research into the digital age and its tools is necessary, not only to utilize them effectively but also to maintain ethical standards and promote a healthy perspective on beauty in an online world.”
