To assess evolving public perceptions of aesthetic treatments by analyzing online search trends for cosmetic procedures associated with 'med spa' versus 'dermatologist'.
Approach:
Study Design: Utilized Google Trends to examine US relative search volumes for 7 aesthetic procedures from June 2015 to June 2025, comparing queries with 'med spa' and 'dermatologist'.
Statistical Analysis: Paired 1-tailed t tests and Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used to compare mean monthly RSVs, with statistical significance set at P<.05.
Key Findings:
Significantly higher search interest for 'med spa' compared to 'dermatologist' for lip fillers, Botox, laser hair removal, and microneedling.
Higher search interest for 'dermatologist' for chemical peels, laser skin resurfacing, and microdermabrasion.
All comparisons were statistically significant (P values ≤ .004).
Interpretation:
Limitations:
Search volume does not directly correlate with actual procedure volumes.
The study does not assess the quality of care provided at med spas versus dermatologists.
