INTRODUCTION

The field of cosmetic medicine is experiencing rapid evolution, propelled by technological advancements and novel approaches to patient care. Artificial intelligence (AI) has garnered considerable interest for its capacity to improve different facets of medical practice, such as diagnosis, treatment planning, patient involvement, management of all practices and a better social media development.^1,2 Nevertheless, the degree to which AI has been embraced and incorporated into clinical practice in the realm of aesthetic dermatology and plastic surgery is still a subject that requires further investigation.³ This publication presents survey findings from attendees of the IMCAS Congress 2024, providing insights into the current state of AI adoption and perceptions within the cosmetic medicine community.

METHODS

A digital questionnaire consisting of 14 inquiries was disseminated to attendees of the IMCAS Congress held last February in Paris via a QR code scan and Google Form. The survey sought to evaluate participants' level of acquaintance with AI, utilization of AI-driven tools in their professional activities, perceptions of the advantages of AI, apprehensions regarding data confidentiality and security, methods of patient communication, requirements for training, gathering of patient feedback, and return on investment (ROI) from AI integration. Data were gathered in an anonymous manner and examined to identify significant patterns and valuable observations.

RESULTS

The survey gathered responses from 47 doctors across different specialties in cosmetic medicine. An impressive 91.5% of participants demonstrated a significant level of knowledge about AI in cosmetic medicine. Nevertheless, the implementation of AI-based tools in practical settings demonstrated a relatively restrained adoption rate for now, as 48.9% of participants acknowledged employing AI-based tools or software. Out of those surveyed, only 53.2% reported that they are currently using AI technologies, indicating a significant disparity between knowledge and actual use. The majority of respondents expressed positive perceptions regarding the benefits of AI, with 85.1% acknowledging its potential advantages in diagnosis and 74.5% in treatment planning. Nevertheless, there were differing viewpoints regarding the influence of AI on patient engagement (59.6%) and social media outcomes (44.7%), suggesting a nuanced comprehension of AI's capabilities in various domains of cosmetic medicine. Despite recognizing the advantages, almost half of the participants (48.9%) have reservations regarding the data privacy and security implications of AI. This emphasizes the necessity for strong protective measures and ethical deliberations during its implementation. Concerning patient communication and training, a notable percentage of participants indicated that they informed patients about the utilization of AI in their healthcare (57.4%) and received instruction on AI technologies (63.8%). Nevertheless, a significant number of participants, amounting to 70.2%, acknowledged the necessity for further training resources in this field, emphasizing the importance of more extensive education and support in collaboration with responsible national and international institutions. Additionally, the survey revealed a lack of initiative in collecting patient feedback, as only 40.4% of participants had actively sought feedback from patients regarding their encounters with AI-assisted cosmetic procedures. Furthermore, only 36.2% of respondents stated that they observed a positive financial outcome from the implementation of AI. This suggests that there is a requirement for more thorough assessment and improvement of AI-driven methods in order to achieve concrete advantages.

DISCUSSION

The findings emphasize the potential advantages and difficulties linked to the implementation of AI in cosmetic medicine and surgery. Although there is a considerable degree of familiarity with AI and recognition of its potential advantages as more precision, more security, more efficacy during the treatments. Moreover, AI combined with robotics, and virtual reality would revolutionize learning by introducing a new generation of simulators, with a realistic simulation of anatomy, monitoring of gestures in laser, injections, and surgery for better assessment. The disparity in perceived financial advantages derived from AI tools, with merely 36.2% reporting favorable results, underscores the intricacy of doctors' ROI viewpoints, signifying a necessity for supplementary training and strategies to maximize the economic influence of AI integration in clinical practice. Additionally, there are apprehensions regarding data privacy, insufficient patient feedback, and the necessity for supplementary efficient training resources. To fully harness the potential of AI in enhancing patient outcomes and advancing the field of cosmetic medicine, it is crucial to tackle these challenges.4,5 In addition to our own investigation, which sheds light on the challenges and potential benefits of integrating AI into cosmetic medicine, Vivacy also carried out a comparable survey between September and November 2023 involving 272 doctors from 32 countries. According to this survey conducted on physicians, 50% of them utilize AI in their clinical practice, while 75% employ it to enhance their social media presence. Approximately 50% of AI users employ it for the purposes of treatment planning and optimization, as well as for customizing social media content. In addition, 28.8% of respondents emphasized the use of AI to improve the efficiency of administrative tasks. Approximately 70% of respondents expressed the belief that AI has the potential to enhance patient outcomes and improve the quality of healthcare. The advantages encompassed individualized patient care and enhanced administrative efficacy. Nevertheless, 50% of them expressed concerns regarding the potential displacement of human labor by AI and the unforeseen repercussions.⁶

Both surveys highlighted a substantial rate of adoption of AI technologies in the field. Moreover, they emphasized the pressing necessity for educational initiatives specifically designed to aid doctors in adjusting to the swift progressions in AI technologies. It is necessary to engage in ongoing learning and skill development due to the ever-changing nature of the healthcare field. By participating in educational programs, doctors can acquire the essential knowledge and skills to effectively utilize AI tools. This enables them to remain informed about the most recent advancements and optimal approaches in the field.

Additionally, regulatory frameworks are crucial in guaranteeing patient safety, confidentiality, and equity in the implementation of AI technologies. Furthermore, these endeavors can cultivate a climate of ingenuity and cooperation, motivating physicians to investigate novel opportunities, embrace technological progressions and drive positive transformation within the healthcare industry in order to improve patient care and results.

CONCLUSION

The survey findings provide valuable insights into the current state of AI adoption and perceptions within the cosmetic medicine and surgery community. While the potential benefits are recognized, concerns about data privacy, lack of patient involvement, and the need for better training resources highlight areas for improvement in AI technology implementation in the field. By understanding the opportunities and challenges associated with AI implementation, stakeholders can better navigate the integration of AI technologies into clinical practice, ultimately enhancing patient care and driving innovation in the field of cosmetic medicine. The integration of AI technologies has great potential to drive innovation in the field of cosmetic dermatology and plastic surgery. Through utilizing AI-powered analysis and tools, professionals can remain at the forefront of progress, providing state-of-the-art treatments and tailored care to their patients. This not only improves the overall patient experience and membership but also promotes progress in the field, cultivating a culture of innovation and ongoing improvement. It integrates expertise in medicine, mathematics, and data science with industrial and entrepreneurial skills, driving progress and innovation forward.

REFERENCES
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5. Sangers TE, Kittler H, Blum A, et al. Position statement of the EADV Artificial Intelligence (AI) Task Force on AI-assisted smartphone apps and web-based services for skin disease. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2023;38:22-30.
6. Laboratoires VIVACY Internal Survey Data- Nov 2023.