Plastic surgeons in the US find that the weakening economy has not reduced the number of clients coming to them for cosmetic quick fix. In fact there is now a new type of client—people out of jobs wanting to look good for interviews.

An online study of 562 members of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) found that nearly 63 percent of them are maintaining a regular volume of cosmetic-related bookings among existing patients compared to six months ago.

The study also found that demand for simple cosmetic procedures such as Botox injections is increasing, in spite of worries of a U.S. recession.  However there has been a decrease in demand for more expensive treatment.

Nearly 32 percent of those studied said the number of new patients making appointments had increased by up to 30 percent.

"People might not be as well off economically as they used to be, but some of them just aren't willing to put off their appearance," said ASDS president Dr. Darrell Rigel. 

It was also observed that the cosmetic enhancements are becoming popular among those recently unemployed.  The cosmetic treatments are seen as an investment to help them get a new job.

"We're seeing a lot of people come in here saying, 'I'm back on the job market again, and I've got to look good'," said Rigel.

According to Rigel the rise in non-invasive cosmetic procedures such as Botox injections, fillers and laser therapy could mean that people are downsizing from more costly procedures such as facelifts, which could run up to US$10,000 or more.

The study mentioned that 51 percent doctors said their patients were more concerned with the costs of cosmetic procedures than they were six months ago.

Likewise, 44 percent said their patients were allowing longer time between visits.

Source-Medindia
THK/L