#United States #Los Angeles #LaserAway #Aesthetic Treatments #Beauty Spending

Survey Reveals Changing Attitudes Towards Aesthetic Treatments

In a groundbreaking study commissioned by LaserAway to celebrate its 20th anniversary, an eye-opening survey shows that 53% of Americans are prepared to sacrifice everyday expenses to finance cosmetic treatments. As perceptions around beauty evolve, this survey unveils the shifting landscape of self-care prioritization among U.S. adults.

Conducted in February 2026 by Morning Consult among approximately 2,200 participants, the survey identifies how attitudes toward non-surgical aesthetic treatments are changing, particularly in terms of financial budgeting and the importance placed on medical credibility when selecting providers. Treatments encompassed in the survey include popular services such as laser hair removal, injectables like Botox, and various skin rejuvenation procedures.

Changing Perspectives on Beauty Care

According to Scott Heckmann, co-founder and CEO of LaserAway, the survey highlights a crucial shift in consumer behavior. “As we enter our 20th year, understanding consumer expectations around aesthetic care is essential. We are witnessing a transition from stigma to a strategic investment in self-care,” he remarked.

More than half of respondents indicated they would be willing to forego expenses such as dining out or entertainment subscriptions in order to afford the treatments they desire. When broken down, the findings reveal that:

• - 20% would stop ordering takeout
• - 17% would abstain from dining out
• - 15% would consider canceling a streaming service for a year
• - 18% would seek additional work to meet treatment costs

This willingness to budget for aesthetic care demonstrates that many Americans now regard these procedures as essential rather than indulgent luxuries, emphasizing a change in priorities.

Men Enter the Aesthetic Scene

Beyond just women, the new survey highlights a growing participation of men in the aesthetic treatment space. With a 40% increase in male clients at LaserAway clinics, men now account for one in ten visits. Notably, men are 60% more likely than women to seek out aesthetic treatments before a first date. Furthermore, 29% of male respondents hope to see aesthetic treatments normalize into the male grooming routine within the next five years.

Younger demographics, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, are also embracing aesthetic treatments more than ever, with two-thirds of Gen Z being open to such procedures. 62% of Millennials report an openness to aesthetics, showing that even those typically less engaged in beauty trends are changing their perspectives. Currently, 19% of Americans already consider aesthetic treatments a staple in their self-care routine—a sign of a broader cultural shift towards maintenance and appearance-related self-care.

Normalizing Aesthetic Treatments

Aesthetic procedures are gradually moving from being viewed exclusively as special event indulgences to commonplace maintenance practices. On average, patients of LaserAway visit for treatments roughly every two months. When asked about future expectations, 26% desire for these treatments to be as routine as manicures, while 21% hope they become as typical as regular medical check-ups. This speaks to a transformational moment where aesthetic treatments are becoming part of regular health and wellness approaches.

Additionally, as technology advances, 20% of respondents expressed eagerness for AI-designed personalized treatment plans within five years, with this interest peaking among younger audiences, particularly in Gen Z.

The Knowledge Gap

Despite an increasing interest in aesthetic treatments, a significant knowledge gap regarding provider qualifications exists. While 58% of respondents indicated a preference for medically qualified professionals over cost, nearly half (45%) admitted they do not know how to verify such qualifications—highlighting a need for greater consumer education in this burgeoning field.

LaserAway is committed to maintaining high medical standards with a company-owned clinic model that ensures oversight from board-certified dermatologists and a dedicated team of nurses across all their locations.

In conclusion, the transformative attitudes toward aesthetic treatments among Americans reflect a broader cultural shift tied to personal care and well-being. As the beauty and health sectors further intertwine, companies like LaserAway continue to lead the way in adapting to evolving consumer expectations.

For more detailed insights into LaserAway's 20th-anniversary survey and its extensive range of services, visit www.laseraway.com.

Methodology

The survey conducted by Morning Consult in February 2026 featured 2,202 U.S. adults and was adjusted to align with demographic benchmarks across age, gender, race, ethnicity, education, and region.

About LaserAway

LaserAway stands at the forefront of aesthetic dermatology in the U.S. With over 200 clinics nationwide, they provide tailored non-surgical treatments responding to individual patient needs and maintaining consistent safety and oversight across all locations.