Time Well Spent! Longer Initial Cosmetic Consultations Associated With Higher Same-Day Treatment and Patient Retention

BACKGROUND: Patient retention is a key quality metric in cosmetic dermatology. Initial consultations are critical for establishing trust, yet the impact of consultation duration on retention has not been well-defined. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between consultation length and same-day treatment decisions, as well as short- and long-term patient retention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this multicenter retrospective study, data were collected over 1 year from 6 dermatology practices on new cosmetic consultations. Variables included consultation duration, visit indication, age, sex, and follow-up outcomes. Primary end points were same-day treatment, 1-year retention, and 3-year retention. RESULTS: A total of 1,951 consultations were analyzed. Longer consultation duration n was significantly associated with higher likelihood of same-day treatment (odds ratio [OR] 1.48 per 10 minutes; p < .001) and modest increases in 1-year (OR 1.07; p = .002) and 3-year retention (OR 1.08; p = .002). Consultations ≥75 minutes demonstrated the highest rates of both immediate treatment and long-term retention. CONCLUSION: Increased consultation time is associated with improved same-day treatment rates and patient retention. These findings highlight the importance of investing time during the initial visit to support both immediate decision-making and sustained patient engagement.