Packaged Cosmetic Surgery Procedures Appeal to Younger Female Market

While hundreds of women continue to sign up for ‘mommy makeover’ specials and other packaged procedures in hopes of undergoing an extreme makeover with the help of a plastic surgeon, some doctors are noticing that many younger patients – women in their 20s and 30s – are looking for similar packages to modify their looks.

In a recent press release from Delaware Plastic Surgery, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Evan Sorokin claims that he is seeing more of his younger breast enhancement patients showing interest in add-on procedures so that they can undergo a complete makeover. In addition to their breast implants and other breast enhancement procedures, these patients are interested in liposuction to get rid of a few unwanted pounds, and dermal fillers that can help them maintain their youthful looks.

Packaged procedures are becoming more common in cosmetic and plastic surgery centers across the country as more women are becoming comfortable with going under the knife. Many plastic surgeons offer packaged procedures at a reduced rate than purchasing procedures ‘a la carte’, and this marketing strategy is already used by medical tourism companies that offer inexpensive plastic surgery procedures abroad.

For younger patients entertaining the idea of undergoing a complete plastic surgery makeover, a one-on-one consultation with a doctor is necessary to ensure that the patient is in good health, and that they understand all of the risks and benefits associated with the procedure. Some women may not be eligible to undergo several procedures if they have certain health conditions or are taking certain types of medication. Others may not be emotionally or mentally ready to undergo such a transformation. Only a qualified surgeon can determine whether the young woman is ready for their surgery, and they are required to explain all of the risks, downtime involved and total cost of the procedures during the consultation.

Plastic Surgery in Argentina Booming During Economic Crunch

While plastic and cosmetic surgeons in the United States and the UK are feeling the pinch of the recession, some countries around the world are faring better during these rough economic times.

According to a recent article on CNN.com World News, Buenos Aires and other cities in Argentina are accommodating for the budget-conscious patient and enjoying an economic boom as a result.

CNN reports that many Americans are realizing they can get their coveted surgery and procedures at a very affordable price if they fly to cities such as Buenos Aires for treatment. In most cases, cosmetic surgery in South America costs a fraction of the price of the same surgery performed in the United States, the UK, or Canada.

Medical tourism companies around the globe use this important fact as the basis for their marketing promotions, emphasizing that getting surgery abroad can cost about 75% less than it would in the United States or the UK.

But what about safety? The American Society of Plastic Surgeons has published the report, “Medical  Tourism: Is it Safe?”to highlight many of the disadvantages of having cosmetic procedures abroad. The ASPS encourages patients considering medical procedures overseas to make sure that the physician is qualified and to thoroughly research the facility.  It’s also important to find out what the post-operative care plan is, and how the physician plans to handle any complications that may arise. For many patients, dealing with complications overseas can be stressful and risky, and they may not be able to find the treatment they need if they are carrying certain types of insurance, or do not have the funds to pay for doctor’s visits.

Still, many Americans are hopping aboard a plane to get their procedures from Argentinean doctors that they have researched thoroughly and read testimonials about. According to Dr. Williams Bukret, a surgeon in Buenos Aires who performs nearly 200 plastic surgery procedures per year in Argentina, “You can get excellent plastic surgery here at two or three times less than the cost in the United States or Europe.” (Source: CNN.com)

British Women Counting on Botox, Not Makeup During Recession

While many men and women are forgoing pricey cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures as they ride out the effects of the recession, some women are still heading to the doctor’s office to get their beauty treatments. And, some are trading their usual trips to the makeup counter in order to get the latest wrinkle-fighting procedure that provides guaranteed results.

According to a recent article in the UK’s, Times Online, many British women are finding more value in somewhat pricey Botox treatments and laser hair removal procedures than the average makeup roundup. Women are willing to pay extra to achieve instant results from a medical spa or cosmetic surgeon, and may even be using up their usual beauty budget in order to make it happen.

According to the Times Online, L’Oreal’s luxury product division has reported a 13 percent decline in sales for the first six months of the year, while Estee Lauder has reported a 28 percent decline in its fragrances. Fewer women are turning to their favorite luxury brands to provide the beauty fixes they need, and Botox treatments, laser hair removal packages and other non-invasive procedures are slowly becoming a higher priority for many. (Source: Times Online)

Botox and other dermal filler procedures do provide instant results, and some people purchase a package of treatments to save on the total cost of the procedure. In the United States, the average cost of a Botox injection is about $400, while other dermal fillers range from $350 – $600+ depending on the number of treatments required and the brand.

Eyelash lengthening products are another popular product during the recession, and these may soon reduce demand for over-the-counter eyelash thickening products and eyelash enhancers that once ruled the beauty department. In the United States, LATISSE is available for approximately $150 per wand, and promises to lengthen and thicken the lashes in as little as eight weeks. A similar product is being unveiled in the UK this year.

Reigning Miss Universe Suspected of Having Cosmetic Surgery

It’s no secret that the Miss Universe competition accepts pageant contestants who have had cosmetic and plastic surgery, but many contestants choose not to disclose whether or not they have actually gone under the knife. For several years, hundreds of pageant winners from around the globe have been having plastic and cosmetic surgery procedures to improve their figures and increase the chances of winning the coveted crown as Miss Universe.

According to a recent report in FoxNews.com, only elective surgery us allowed and is even encouraged during this fierce competition. In fact, many women come out of the competition completely transformed from head to toe, having undergone several surgeries and non-invasive procedures in order to achieve their ideal look. (Source: FoxNews.com)

The Miss Universe website indicates that contestants are permitted to use needles and scalpels in order to increase their chances of winning, and there are no restrictions placed on cosmetic surgery. In recent years, pageant contestants from Asia have been going under the knife to achieve a more Westernized look, while pageant winners from South America have undergone liposuction and cellulite reduction procedures to achieve a more svelte, pageant-ready figure.

This year’s pageant winner Stefania Fernandez, Miss Venezuela has been under scrutiny from the press and pageant fans who claim that she may also have made a few trips to the cosmetic surgeon’s office in order to win her title. Miss Fernandez is just 18 years old, and has neither confirmed or denied that she has undergone a cosmetic makeover during her reign as Miss Venezuela.

The last three Miss Universe titleholders have all undergone plastic surgery. Miss Universe 2008 Dayanara Mendoza underwent rhinoplasty to achieve a more sculpted look. Miss Universe 2007 Riyo Mori of Japan underwent a lip augmentation procedure and may also have had eyelid surgery. Miss Universe 2006 Zuleyka Rivera of Puerto Rico also underwent plastic surgery of the nose and forehead to achieve a more sculpted appearance.

(Picture courtesy of Entertainment Daily)

Baby Boomers Expected to Lead Cosmetic Surgery Demand in Next Decade

Whether they are looking for job security, want to attract a mate in their golden years, or just rejuvenate their appearance as they pass the middle-age mark, baby boomers may be leading demand for cosmetic and plastic surgery in the next ten years.

While the cosmetic and plastic surgery industry may be in a temporary slump because of the economy, researchers are expected demand to increase over the course of the next decade as the baby boomer generation reaches the ages of 50 and beyond. According to a recent press release from Robert Zubowski of The Robert Zubowski MD Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in New Jersey, more patients that fall in the baby boomer generation category are heading to the doctor’s office despite the waning economy.

Since many baby boomers are expecting to work up to and beyond retirement, they may soon become more interested in preserving their youthful looks and continue to turn to plastic surgery, cosmetic enhancements and anti-aging treatments.  Dr. Robert Zubowski says that the current baby boomer generation is “more young at heart, more active and involved, and they want their faces and bodies to reflect this youthfulness.”

Some of the most sought-after procedures and treatments for this group include breast augmentation, breast reduction surgery, upper and lower eyelid lifts, calf implants, hair transplants, deep chemical peels, Botox injections and tummy tucks.

Technological advances in the field of plastic and cosmetic surgery over the next ten years may also help spur demand and encourage more people to head to the doctor’s office to transform their physical appearance. The latest technologies available for liposuction and facelift surgery in particular include non-invasive fat removal, non-surgical facelifts and skin tightening treatments that help to tighten, tone and firm up the skin over a period of several weeks.

(Source: PRWeb.com)

Plastic Surgery Demand Expected to Grow 8.5% Through 2012

Despite the drop in demand for cosmetic and plastic surgery in 2009, researchers are pointing to an upswing for the anti-aging and cosmetic surgery industry.

According to the Freedonia Group, an international research firm that reviews industry trends and creates forecasts, demand for cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures is expected to grow at a rate of nearly 8.5% annually through 2012. Demand for minimally-invasive procedures is expected to grow at an even faster rate, as more people reorganize their budgets and look for plastic surgery alternatives to achieve their ideal look.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons has already indicated that plastic surgery procedures in the United States have continued to dip downward since 2008 at a rate of 9 percent. According to The Plastic Surgery Channel, California reports a drop by as much as 40 percent since the same period in 2007.

Many prospective patients have simply postponed their plans to have surgery until the economy improves. Still, sales of dermal fillers such as Restylane, Botox, Juvederm and Sculptra have remained steady even through the tough economic times, as people look for quick-fix solutions to improve their looks and avoid the costs of surgery.

Some plastic surgeons and medical spas have gone to great lengths to stimulate business, offering incentives for new patients, hosting ‘free Botox’ parties, discount on booking multiple procedures, and offering more options for patient financing. Others have been heavily promoting plastic surgery alternatives such as non-invasive cellulite reduction, minimally invasive facelifts and other treatments that are easier on the wallet.

As the economy continues to recover in the oncoming months, consumers may slowly begin to return to their luxury purchases and investments that include procedures such as liposuction, breast augmentation, and of course, Botox. Demand for Botox, Dysport and other injectables is expected to increase rapidly in the oncoming years.

Airbrushing Replaces the Scalpel for Budget-Conscious Patients

During times when budgets are getting tighter and fewer people are heading to the cosmetic surgery office for a procedure, some are looking for inventive ways to enjoy a few quick-fixes for their appearance. Airbrushing is becoming an increasingly popular option for beach-bound men and women that want to appear slimmer in a bathing suit. The technique works by creating artificial shadows and contours on various parts of the body so that the area appears more toned, and in some cases, slimmer.

According to a recent article in the UK Times Online, airbrushing was once reserved only for celebrities and models that needed to look slimmer for a movie or a magazine shoot. However, many consumers are willing to shell a few extra dollars to have their photographs airbrushed, in lieu of plastic surgery. One photography chain in Britain reports a 550% increase for airbrushing services before a vacation. (Source: TimesOnline.co.uk)

Airbrushing makeup techniques are also an option for the self-conscious among us. Airbrushing can make the midsection look more toned and slimmer, and can also enhance the chest area – no surgery necessary. It’s a simple, non-invasive procedure that can produce profound results within minutes, and is relatively harmless to the skin.

Critics of airbrushing photography and airbrushing makeup believe they’re both just another part of the Western culture’s obsession to look like a celebrity, a vain attempt to improve one’s appearance. However, others think that airbrushing and other ‘imitation’ procedures such as teeth whitening and eyebrow tattooing are becoming more acceptable in some social circles, and may even become a trend in the oncoming years.

Airbrush makeup and tanning services are available at many day spas and salons around the United States and Great Britain, while full-body airbrushing services are often available through photography studios and makeup artists. Costs can range anywhere from $100 to $300+ per session depending on the area and amount of product needed to achieve results. Airbrushing photography service packages vary depending on the photographer and number of photographs that need to be modified.

Experts Say Branded Procedures Don’t Always Deliver Advertised Results

Smart-Lipo, Thread-Tox and the Lunchtime Lift are just a handful of branded procedures that are heavily promoted on television, in magazines and on the radio. These procedures are often marketed to baby boomers and young mothers who are considering plastic or cosmetic surgery to enhance their appearance, and appear to be effective procedures backed by clinical studies. Still, experts say that consumers need to exercise caution when considering these procedures, even when the procedure or treatment is boasts a registered trademark or its own logo.

According to a recent article in MedicalNewsToday.com, brand name procedures may not really provide a legitimate solution for long-term results, and may just be a clever marketing ploy for the vulnerable consumer. Dr. Al Aly, a plastic surgeon in Iowa, points out that “These named procedures are used by the marketing entity to popularize the technique so that patients ask for it whether it fits their situation or not. This is a problem that can be very dangerous.” (Source: MedicalNewsToday.com)

So how does a consumer find out if the procedure really does hold up to its name, or if it’s just a scam? Doing some online research about the procedure is the first step to finding out what the history of the technique and surgery is, and how long it has been available in the United States. The next step is to visit the website of the company behind the procedure and review any clinical studies or reports that back up the procedure’s claims. When it’s time to meet the doctor for a consultation, the consumer will be well-armed with knowledge and facts, and can then ask questions about the safety and efficacy of the procedure.

Plastic and cosmetic surgeons are required to disclose all risk factors involved with various procedures, but it is ultimately up to the patient to learn about the treatment and determine if the procedure is the right fit for them.

Asia Now the Second-Largest Plastic Surgery Hub

Extreme makeovers and dramatic transformations with the assistance of a plastic surgeon are no longer a U.S. phenomenon.

According to recent statistics, the multi-billion dollar industry of plastic, cosmetic and aesthetic surgery has been growing rapidly in Japan, China and India.

Marie Claire magazine points out that even though plastic surgery was banned in China until 2001, it is now a booming industry that brings in approximately $2.4 billion in sales every year. Plastic surgery spending in Japan tops $18.4 million per year, and India has also experienced tremendous growth in recent years. Together, these countries in Asia have become the second-largest plastic surgery hotspot in the world, second only to the United States.

Some experts believe that residents of Asian countries are trying to achieve a more westernized look with plastic and cosmetic surgery procedures. Demand for blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) is high in China and Japan as it helps to create a more wide-eyed look. Liposuction is in demand in India as Hollywood movies and the booming Bollywood film industry promote a similar ‘thin ideal’ as the United States and Europe.

Extreme makeovers by going under the knife aren’t only a growing trend overseas. Dying the hair blonde or light brown, wearing blue-colored contact lenses and going tanning are some other new trends on the rise in Asia. According to the makers of the Freshlook colored contacts, Middle Eastern women and even Hispanic women overseas and in the United States are opting for color contacts because these allow them to express their originality and enhance their features in a fresh new way (Source: SFGate.com).

For residents of the United States, going abroad for plastic or cosmetic surgery may also offer some advantages. Plastic and cosmetic surgery centers in Asia may offer more attractive prices on pricey procedures such as liposuction, breast augmentation and facelift surgery.

Lunch Time Procedures May Help Women Stay Competitive in Tough Job Market

The job market continues to become increasingly competitive for both men and women, and as unemployment levels continue to climb, many employees are seeking out ways to maintain their position or compete for a better opportunity.

Improving their looks is one strategy that is fueling the cosmetic and plastic surgery industry, even during these tough economic times.

Many medical spas and aesthetic surgery centers across the country are seeing a steady increase in demand for quick-fix, affordable procedures such as Botox, Fraxel laser treatments, Reliant laser for wrinkle removal, and a range of dermal filler injections that fill out lines and wrinkles.

Centers such as Infini Cosmetic Associates are taking advantage of this demand by offering “Summer Stimulus Packages” for those who need a quick treatment over lunch hour. The company is offering discounted packages and specialized treatments especially for baby boomers and business professionals who want to improve their appearance in as little time as possible.

According to Dr. William Hall, Founder and Chief Surgeon of Infini Cosmetic Associates, “Less invasive ‘lunch time’ procedures earned the term, because they can be performed during any lunch hour and patients can return to work, immediately with no side effects or discomfort. Times are tough right now and jobs are scarce, so I thought it would be nice to offer summer specials and give people a lift. Even smaller cosmetic investments produce phenomenal results and make such a difference, which is why I love doing what I do.” (Source: prweb.com)

In addition to Botox injections and dermal fillers, women can undergo a micro-peel to tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines or get rid of sun damage and skin discoloration with Fraxel laser resurfacing treatments, or Reliant lasers. All of these treatments are non-invasive, and can be performed in less than an hour.