The couple who gets cosmetic work together stay together. That's not what they say, but for Eric Nietzel, RNit rings true at his New York City aesthetic clinic. I want to feel beautifulwhere he's seen a recent surge in couples signing up for appointments together. Nitzel, which offers treatments such as Botox, fillerand injections of platelet rich plasma (PRP) and microneedlingI first noticed a wave of couples getting together about two years ago, and it's been a steady stream ever since.
This increase appears to be driven by a younger population that tends to be more open-minded and enthusiastic about treatment and view it as a form of pastime, Nietzel said.
“When clients over 50 and older bring their partners, it's always a little more frustrating,” Nietzel says. “They were like, ‘Come in, you look terrible. You need to do this, you need to do that.”
He found that with young Nitzel couples the experience was more positive and less one-sided. “Young people bring their partners and it's more like, 'Come and have a look. You'll love it. You'll look a little more rested,” he says. “It's like they're trying to share the experience. [their partner] gaining the same confidence.”
This shift speaks to some things we know to be true about the current beauty landscape. Cosmetic work is more popular than ever. Celebrities become transparent about what they have doneoften while normalizing procedures such as Botox and fillers. Not to mention, the idea of improving our appearance appeals to many of us living in the digital age of endless photos, videos, social media apps and Zoom calls.
Kiran Mian, MDcertified dermatologist in Hudson Dermatology and Laser Surgery in New York City also saw a particular increase in awareness and willingness among heterosexual male patients.
“What I’m starting to see more is that the person comes on his own.” says Dr. Mian. “It means they'll show up together, but the man is like, 'I don't like these lines. I don't like this texture. I want smoother skin.” Before, he just sat there and the woman did all the talking. I see more and more men paying more attention to their aesthetic appearance.”
