Journal of Asia Pacific Aesthetic Sciences

Abstract: During the outbreak of novel coronavirus disease in December 2019, the aesthetic industry was affected due to the movement control order (MCO) and the spread of the disease in Malaysia. The purpose of this research was to determine the impact of COVID-19 on the aesthetic industry as well as the psychological effect on practitioners and barriers faced by the industry during the pandemic. This was a cross-sectional survey given to registered medical aesthetic practitioners, employers or employees in medical aesthetics and was distributed on social media. The survey showed a significant decrease in the number of patients seeking medical aesthetic procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic. This resulted in substantial reduction in revenue amongst practitioners. The COVID-19 pandemic also limited the services provided in the aesthetic industry and propagated the need to utilize telemedicine services to optimize safe patient care.