It is one of the stranger reliable economic indicators: as the economy improves, so does the incidence of cosmetic surgery in the U.S. As NPR recently reported:
The number of surgical procedures rose 2 percent to 1.58 million in 2011, according to data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. It’s the second year in a row that cosmetic operations increased by 2 percent.
This is not surprising when you consider that cosmetic surgery can be something of a luxury item – a gift to oneself to enhance confidence and comfort. As Americans’ financial confidence grows, many want their personal confidence to rise in lockstep. Sometimes a rhinoplasty is just the thing.
Interestingly, the most successful category of American cosmetic surgery continues to be minimally invasive procedures such as BOTOX®, Ultherapy® and cosmetic fillers. Because these are quick, safe, and inexpensive, they often represent an ideal way to find beauty on a budget. Back to the article:
How many times was Botox injected for cosmetic purposes last year? Try 5.67 million, up 5 percent from 2010. Back in 2000, Botox was used about three-quarter of a million times.
Then there’s the No. 2 category: “soft tissue fillers” (fat, collagen and a bunch of other products) to plump up lips, cheeks and fill creases and lines. Those procedures were up 7 percent to 1.89 million.
I am proud to offer the very latest cosmetic surgery technologies here in Los Angeles and across the Southland. To set up a consultation today, please contact my LA plastic surgery offices here.