The evolving doctor-patient bond

Shriyal Sethumadhavan explores the evolving landscape of aesthetic preferences and the transformative doctor-patient relationship in 2024.

In the ever-evolving landscape of dermatology, the relationship between dermatologists and their patients takes centre stage as we embark on the transformative journey of 2024. There is a profound shift in patient inquiries, desires, and expectations that frame the contours of aesthetic treatments. The dermatologist-patient relationship, once rooted in traditional consultations, now embraces a communicative and collaborative model. Patients, armed with information from diverse sources, are not just seeking treatments; they are actively participating in shaping their aesthetic journeys. In this era of informed decisionmaking, the dermatologist’s role extends beyond expertise to fostering a connection built on trust and shared understanding.

Emerging trends in patient inquiries

Considering patient inquiries or requests for aesthetic procedures in 2024, several trends have been emerging.

As Dr Soma Sarkar, Dermatologist &Aesthetic Physician, Dr Soma’s Aesthetic Clinic &Academy, points out, “A notable trend among both male and female patients is a preference for natural appearance. There is an increasing openness to utilising devices, and patients are opting for combination treatments. For instance, many of my patients choose Ultherapy alongside injectable procedures involving a combination of toxins and fillers. The aim is to sustain bio-stimulation in their skin without undergoing extensive procedures at once. The focus is on maintaining their looks and promoting overall skin health.” She elaborates on how individuals are emphasising oral nutrition, with requests for oral collagen, antioxidants like glutathione, and specific multivitamins for hair, nails, and skin. This holistic approach is welcomed, and people are eager to undergo more procedures to sustain the health and appearance of their skin.

Pointing out to one of the emerging trends in patient inquiries or requests is Dr Madhuri Agarwal, Founder &Medical Director, Yavana Aesthetics Clinic. She says, “These revolve around preferences for non-surgical options rather than surgical procedures. Patients are inclined towards minimally invasive approaches, seeking outcomes akin to a mini facelift or results comparable to surgery without undergoing an actual surgical process.

Additionally, there is a growing interest in achieving healthier and better skin with natural contours.” She adds that patients are receptive to treatments such as skin boosters, injectables, HIFU, and radiofrequency for enhanced aesthetic results. The evolving trend indicates increased patient acceptance of advanced aesthetic treatments over basic procedures like using products or undergoing peels. “The shift is towards selecting the right kind of products instead of an excessive array, emphasising informed choices. More individuals are consulting dermatologists not only for products but also for establishing effective weight loss strategies, recognising that exercise alone may not suffice. The focus is on holistic wellness and achieving a natural, enhanced appearance with the assistance of dermatologists. Notably, an emerging trend involves the integration of artificial intelligence (AI).” Additionally, Dr Madhuri points out to how patients are exploring telemedicine and AI solutions for their aesthetic treatments, moving beyond traditional clinic visits. “As healthcare providers, we are enthusiastic about incorporating AI into our practices to streamline processes and enhance the patient experience.”

On her part, Dr Rinky Kapoor, Consultant Dermatologist, and Cosmetic Dermatologist, The Esthetic Clinics, believes that the trend in 2024 is clearly leaning towards natural look and preserving and enhancing beauty.

“Prerejuvenation over restoration is going to be the key as more and more younger people are coming to us to start the process of skin rejuvenation.” She list below her list of the common procedures that are expected to be in demand this year:

• “Advanced laser skin resurfacing for skin rejuvenation, treating acne, fat removal, and removing unwanted hair.

• Updated injectables.

• The use of exosomes for anti-ageing treatments and restoring hydration balance to the skin. Exosomes are applied on the skin and they boost cell-to-cell communication and older cells are stimulated to act younger.

• Injectable moisturizers that are used to give an illuminated look to the skin from the inside. These are made of hyaluronic acid injections that are injected under the skin for a radiant glow.

• Advanced side effect-free non-surgical hair restoration methods like QR678 therapy.

• Menopause makeup is also slated to be as common as mommy makeover. This set of treatments aims to address the bodily changes that are caused because of hormonal shifts during menopause. These areas are usually weight on the upper chest, front of the armpit, and upper arms and thickening of the torso.

• Ultra natural breast lift and augmentation are the latest evolution in aesthetic trends. This year is going to be all about natural-looking breast augmentation and the use of implants that complement the body’s natural proportions. More and more females are opting for breasts that look well-shaped and feminine but also are not too visible.

• Tox fatigue treatment is the trending procedure for eyelid and brow lifts to reduce the signs of ageing on the upper face. Blepharoplasty and forehead lifts have seen a rise in demand to remove the excess fat around the eye areas and give them an open and rested look.

• Chin implants and jaw liposuction contouring are trending because the simple procedures add more definition to the shape of the face and bring out the natural contours.

• Body contouring is something that everyone is talking about in 2024. These combine non-invasive radiofrequency devices and invasive procedures such as tummy tuck and thigh lift.

• Deep plane facelifts.

• Brazilian butt lifts (BBLs) that are safer and give naturallooking results.

• Facial fat transfer which subtly adds to the lost facial volume due to ageing. The fat is taken from other parts of the body. Balanced facelift is usually done with face fat transfer surgery to soften the deep lines around the mouth and nose, smooth the undereye hollows and give a fresh look to the cheeks, chin implants for balance between nose and cheeks and chin and laser treatments to improve skin texture.”

Longevity science is seeing a new turn in skin care products in 2024. The new age skin care is beyond just wrinkling removal, the new creams are infused with special compounds that work on the biochemical processes in the skin that improve the cell repair function and prevent cell damage.

Evolution of doctor-patient relationship

Certainly, the doctor-patient relationship has evolved in recent years, and patient expectations have played a critical role in shaping treatment plans.

The focus has been more on information exchange and intelligently processing the information provided by dermatologists, says Dr Madhuri. “Nowadays, an increasing

number of patients come well-informed, drawing knowledge from sources like Google or previous doctor visits. While this facilitates communication, it can pose challenges when patients have unrealistic expectations influenced by social media. Despite this, having informed patients is beneficial, as it allows dermatologists to engage in meaningful discussions.” For Dr Madhuri, the relationship has become more advanced, with patients often having a clear understanding of their desires. This clarity enables dermatologists to convey what can and cannot be achieved, fostering better acceptance. Patients are receptive to information, leveraging it for the improvement of their skin. The evolving trend also brings a heightened level of demand from patients, elevating expectations. Dermatologists find themselves continually adapting to meet these demands, striving to innovate and provide solutions that effectively cater to evolving needs.

For Dr. Rinky, the relationship has become more communicative and collaborative, focusing on building strong doctor-patient relationships and enhancing patient outcomes. “Doctors today are more understanding, listening to patients’ needs and preferences, and decision-making is done collaboratively. Most doctors adopt an information model that empowers patients to make decisions. Patients are also more educated and aware of treatments, procedures, recovery periods, and options for their preferred aesthetic procedures. Thus, the patient is an expert on themselves, and the dermatologist is an expert on the procedure.” She notes that this has led to a rise in personalised treatment plans, ensuring each procedure is as effective as possible, and there is a reduced risk of complications. Each treatment plan is designed after a thorough discussion, considering the patient’s physical and genetic profile, fostering a strong patient-doctor relationship. Bespoke solutions enable doctors to meet patient expectations more effectively.

For Dr Soma, her patients have become more comfortable and increasingly loyal. “I can proudly say that it is about how the equation works and how you can get them into your comfort zone. Also, giving them the freedom and thought process without pushing treatments, allowing them time and space for an informed decision. With 15 years in this industry, Iam happy to say that my patients are loyal, some for more than 10 to 14 years, requiring dedication, sincerity, transparency, and honesty.” Additionally, she adds that patients expect you to be up-to-date on trends, the latest technologies, and continuous evolution. “My patients are particular; they want to know what Iam doing and are interested in the science. They share information from the West, wanting me to stay informed. This collaborative approach helps us plan treatments for each patient.” She believes that the industry is growing organically, setting her apart from other clinics. “Patients come for the service, not just the money, and they do not haggle much in my clinic. That is the standard I have set.”

Addressing patient concerns and information needs

So, are there specific treatments or concerns that patients are increasingly seeking information about, and how are practitioners preparing to address these?

Informed patients of the modern world are shying away from overfilled cheeks, overfilled lips, and heavy breasts, says Dr. Rinky. The patients are seriously considering aesthetic treatments like gentle facelifts, fillers, and neck lifts. Fillers are popular among those in their 20s to 30s as opposed to the historical demand of people over 50. She adds, “More and more people are coming to us for procedures that complement their unique features. The trend is towards minimally invasive and non-surgical aesthetic treatments and natural-looking plastic surgeries. Practitioners are today equipped to meet this demand with cutting-edge solutions that give dramatic and impressive results without screaming plastic surgery and have minimal downtime.” That said, she is more focused on subtly contouring and emphasising a person’s natural beauty and not changing the look.

For Dr Soma, the one thing that is common with patients nowadays is that everybody wants to know if there is something new, something more organic, something they can do themselves to maintain skin health. Gone are the days when patients only wanted to look young. Now, patients want to look fresh, age gracefully, and have healthy skin and lifestyle. She adds, “I have noticed my patients becoming more holistic. When they come to me, they not only talk about skincare but also discuss food habits, sleep habits, and even makeup choices. They inquire about hair washing, shampoos, and products for their daily care routine. Iam pleased to see this evolution in the industry and our consultations.”

The prevalent treatments and concerns in India have consistently revolved around achieving fairness. On that note, Dr Madhuri shares, “There is a strong desire for lighter and brighter skin, with individuals willing to undergo IV drips and explore solutions that promise lightening and brightening effects. The cultural obsession with fairness remains prevalent. Additionally, there is a growing demand for long-term solutions to address hair loss, prompting excitement among dermatologists for advancements in exosomes, stem cells, and regenerative medicine for both skin and hair. These approaches offer more enduring and natural results that align with the body’s natural processes.” Dr Madhuri goes on to add that biologics are gaining prominence in treating skin conditions like psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, providing effective solutions beyond aesthetic concerns. Laser hair removal continues to be a sought-after treatment, with a focus on ongoing innovations in this field. Another significant aspect is the increasing demand for skincare products.

Patients across various age groups, including males, are expressing the need for simple skincare routines. This dynamic landscape reflects an exciting time for dermatologists, where specific needs, always present, are now being voiced more openly. Patients are not only expressing their demands but are also more willing to undergo treatments to address these concerns.