At this Miami plastic and cosmetic surgery practice, we read with interest a recent story in USA Today about how consumers are choosing cosmetic procedures like botox, breast augmentations and tummy tucks – even before paying their bills.
It seems consumer confidence among Americans is strong as we emerge from the recession. Even those still struggling financially are ready to treat themselves to some plastic surgery. Breast augmentation led the list of cosmetic surgery; even the number male breast reduction surgeries grew by 5% last year, the paper wrote.
Across the spectrum, plastic surgery procedures were up 5% from 2011 to 2012, the paper reported, citing statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. In all, some 14.6 million procedures were performed in the country. These included (eliminate “invasive”) surgery, like breast and buttock augmentation, tummy tucks, liposuction, and other procedures.
But statistics showed the real growth was being found with minimally invasive injections, chemical peels, laser hair removal, botulinum toxin type A (or Botox and Dysport), and other treatments. They cost less than more invasive procedures and still show immediate results with less – or no – recovery time.
“For the third consecutive year, the overall growth in cosmetic surgery continues to be driven by a significant rise in minimally invasive procedures, while surgical procedures remain relatively stable,” society President Gregory Evans noted in an announcement.
The trend comes as consumers also are embracing healthier lifestyles and fitness in pursuit of personal wellness. To experienced plastic surgeons, it reveals how consumers place a high value on their appearance and the tremendous boost to self confidence that results from improving their looks. Maintaining and improving one’s physical appearance and general health and fitness is a healthy trend Americans should embrace.