Cosmetic Plastic Surgery
Thrives Despite Recession
During the dismal economic years of the Great Depression in the 1930s, industrial production in the United States plummeted, while the sales of cosmetics soared higher. Known as the “Lipstick Effect,” the theory asserts that while people cut back spending on most items during tough economic times, they continue to purchase smaller ticket cosmetic luxuries such as lipstick because of the morale boost they provide. In an interesting twist on the theory, consumers have reduced spending on both essential and luxury items during the current recession that grips the U.S., butthey continue to invest money in their appearance as reflected in the increasing popularity of plastic surgery procedures.
A recent Newsweek article which chronicled the trend noted that while Americans cut back on expenditures for food, housing, clothing, and entertainment between 2009 and 2011, spending increased by 5.1 percent on liposuction, 8.1 percent for eyelid surgery, and 1.3 percent for breast augmentation.
While plastic surgery procedures do not fall in the small-scale luxury category as cosmetics, many feel their costlier price tag is justified by the improvement in looks and confidence the treatments deliver which helps them to both physically and mentally maintain an edge in an increasingly competitive workforce environment.
While many would say they accept the idea of growing older gracefully, they don’t accept the droopy lids, undereye bags, crows feet lines, and forehead furrows that commonly manifest with aging—features that can cause the face to look tired, aged, and even worried or angry.
The procedures they’re choosing range from relatively inexpensive nonsurgical cosmetic injectable treatments to reduce facial lines and folds, to eyelid and facelift surgery to restore a more youthful, refreshed and firmer look to drooping eyes and sagging cheeks and jowls. For those who desire more attractive curves and proportions, procedures such as liposuction, breast augmentation, and tummy tucks are popular choices.
With companies such as Care Credit, M-Lend, and Chase Health Advance Financing Options offering affordable monthly payment plans to finance these procedures, cosmetic surgery has become a more affordable option for many, another factor which has contributed to its rising popularity.
If you are interested in cosmetic plastic surgery to enhance your appearance, please contact our office at 713.799.9999 to schedule your consultation with Houston plastic surgeon Dr. Mentz.
