Summary of the Article: longer Cosmetic Consultations Led to Better Patient Retention
This article reports on a retrospective analysis of cosmetic dermatology consultations, finding a strong correlation between consultation length and patient retention. Here’s a breakdown of the key findings:
* Study Details: The study analyzed data from 2,000 patients (mean age 46, 85% women) across six cosmetic dermatology practices between May 2019 and April 2020. Retention was measured by whether patients returned for a paid treatment after 12 or 36 months.
* consultation Times:
* 434 patients: 30-59 minutes
* 949 patients: 60-74 minutes
* 565 patients: 75+ minutes
* Key Findings – Retention Rates: longer consultations substantially improved retention rates:
* 75+ minutes: 80% booked same-day, 57% returned after 1 year, 27% after 3 years.
* 60-74 minutes: 65% booked same-day, 52% returned after 1 year, 25% after 3 years.
* 30-59 minutes: 47%, 43%, and 24% reported same-day booking, 1-year return, and 3-year return respectively.
* Impact of Time: Each additional 10 minutes of consultation time increased the odds of:
* Same-day treatment by nearly 50%
* 1-year retention by 7%
* 3-year retention by 8%
* Conclusion: The researchers concluded that spending more time with patients builds trust and fosters long-term patient loyalty.
Source: kamrani P, et al. Time well spent! Longer cosmetic consultations associated with higher patient retention: A multicenter retrospective analysis.Presented at: American Society for Dermatologic Surgery annual meeting; Nov. 13-16, 2025; Chicago.