BACKGROUND: The integration of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies into cosmetic dermatology offers new avenues for enhancing patient engagement, satisfaction, and decision-making. These immersive tools allow patients to better visualize the outcomes of procedures before treatment, improving communication with physicians and increasing confidence in cosmetic interventions. Despite the promise these technologies hold, there remain concerns regarding their accessibility, technical limitations, ethical challenges, and the potential for algorithmic bias. This commentary aims to explore the psychosocial implications of AR and VR in cosmetic consultations, focusing on their benefits and potential drawbacks.
METHODS: This commentary is based on a comprehensive review of literature on AR and VR applications in cosmetic procedures. The focus is on the psychosocial impact of these technologies, highlighting their influence on patient expectations, satisfaction, and decision-making. Studies that evaluate the integration of AR and VR into cosmetic consultations were analyzed to assess the benefits and challenges associated with these tools.
RESULTS: The analysis revealed that AR and VR significantly enhance patient involvement by allowing real-time visualization of treatment outcomes, which improves both understanding and satisfaction. Patients reported feeling more informed and confident in their decisions when using these tools during consultations. Furthermore, these technologies allow physicians to offer more personalized and detailed consultations, thus improving communication and alignment of expectations. However, several challenges remain: AR and VR technologies are expensive, their use can lead to discomfort (cybersickness), and algorithmic bias may skew patient perceptions, particularly in underrepresented demographic groups. There are also ethical concerns about data security and transparency of the algorithms used in these systems.
CONCLUSION: AR and VR hold tremendous potential to revolutionize patient care in cosmetic dermatology by enhancing engagement, improving decision-making, and increasing overall patient satisfaction. Nonetheless, the full realization of these benefits will require addressing technical and ethical challenges through ongoing research, regulatory oversight, and collaboration between medical professionals and technology developers.
