Plastic surgery is still a growth industry, even while people find more and more cosmetic treatment options that do not involve surgery.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, average annual growth rates are 7.5 percent for plastic surgery and 27.9 percent for non-surgical procedures. This means, for example, that a few more people are asking for facelifts, while many more are opting for Botox injections.
Doctors say consumer awareness is growing, advertising budgets are beefed up, and technology has made surgeries and treatments more available.
A typical facelift costs about $4,800, while a Botox treatment goes for about $500.
Dr. Peter Bela Foder, an editorial consultant to plastic surgery magazines, gives a step-by-step description, “People are starting to realize that there are ways to look better, and if you look better, you feel better, and as a result, you perform better at your job and have an overall better quality of life.”
More than 3 million Americans received some form of plastic surgery in 2007, and more than 8 million received non-surgical cosmetic treatments. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons is still compiling numbers for 2008.
In the past, plastic surgery was viewed mainly in terms of getting a facelift or a nose job. Breast implants entered the picture during the 1970s, and liposuction came along during the past decade. Botox is the in-vogue treatment in recent years.
One reason for optimism among plastic surgeons is an improved image for their profession. In a survey by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 69 percent of young adults ages 18 to 24 had a favorable view of plastic surgery and cosmetic treatment, compared to 41 percent of senior citizens.
An example of higher profile advertising to younger people carries a “before the wedding” theme. If she really loves him, and if he really loves her, then this marketing theme asserts that both will want to look their very best. This means that the Botox injection should take place two weeks before the special day for maximum impact. Botox won’t just make you look younger; it prevents underarm sweating at the altar.
Liposuction should happen a month before the wedding, and the same goes for breast implants, according to some of plastic surgeons who are promoting these procedures.
In another trend, plastic surgeons are promoting combined procedures and treatments. For example, one way to reduce wrinkles and crow’s feet is to inject so-called fat fillers in conjunction with a Botox treatment. At the same time, fullness can be added to lips through a third procedure. Then you may want to throw in a neck lift and maybe a tummy tuck, too.
Plastic surgeons are making their services more accessible by advertising “micro” and “mini” procedures such as mini facelifts, micro liposuction and mini tummy tucks. These are geared to people who would shy away from more invasive forms of plastic surgery.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate medical professional.
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