Plastic surgery in tough economic times

While it might seem counterintuitive to undergo cosmetic surgery during tough economic times, many patients are still motivated to do so. Usual financial obligations such as mortgage payment, utility bills, food and clothing cost not withstanding, people from all walks of life still want to enjoy life and are willing to spend money to enhance their quality of life whether to travel, dine at a restaurant, or attend entertainment events. How does plastic surgery fit into this desire when faced with economic hardship. Certainly any plastic surgeon will want you to be prudent in your spending habits, but there are four factors that can motivate a patient into the world of cosmetic enhancement.

First, there is the doomsday mentality whereby a sense of life, as one knows it, coming to an end inspires people to do things they always dreamed of doing but never had the courage or inspiration to do. The movie, The Bucket List, is illustrative of this behavior. Deathbed marriages and riding a first roller coaster as a grandparent are also examples. Many people think of having some kind of cosmetic procedure, a facelift, an eyelift, or a much-needed tummy tuck, but are waiting for something to get them over the fear or inertia. Patients might tells themselve to "just do it" before time and opportunity are completely gone.

Second, there is an element of wanting to "feel good" in times of trouble. While addiction to alcohol and drugs is a negative consequence of this urge, good things can also come of it. People reaching out to others during disasters have a component of the "feel good" attitude. Giving a crying child a hug or a piece candy is another. A good workout when one is despressed is another. These actions are temporary as are the "feel good" effects. But the cosmetic enhancement and emotional boost can be long-term, if not life-long, benefits. It is a natural human instinct to want to feel good about oneself and feeling good about oneself can also translate into a more positive attitude and more self-assurance on the job as well as improved disposition in daily life.

Third, as jobs are lost, competition for existing jobs can be intense. As much as one might find it unfair and distasteful, studies have shown that youth and physical attractiveness are advantages when competing for employment. This relates, in part, to a sense of security other people have around "attractive" people. Other studies have shown that "attractive" workers tend to earn more. Certainly the entertainment industry is representative of this practice but any profession that requires people to be out in front of the public or in a position of leadership might gravitate towards cosmetic enhancement including executives, managers, sales personnel, models, and media professionals. Even just interviewing for a job requires one put a "best face" forward to maintain a competitive edge.

Finally, for those who are fortunate to have already budgeted for cosmetic surgery or do not have as much financial constraints, economic hardships works both ways as we see with gas prices. As the economy slows, gas prices decrease and consumers get more bang for their bucks. A slowdown in the economy means that surgicenters and sellers of goods, such as implants, might be more willing to cut fees to maintain viability and competitiveness. Even doctors might be more willing to offer discounts although this is quite individual. The cosmetic procedure a patient was committed to having might, all of a sudden, be that much more affordable.

Each prospective patient will have his or her own motivation and desire to have cosmetic surgery and every doctor must assess each patient individually and responsibly. But difficult economic times can often stimulate prospective patients to undergo cosmetic enhancement. Those that do might end up better for it in the long run both in quality of life and in the pocketbook..

The Most Important Thing About Plastic Surgery

This is the inaugural post for a forum I hope will stimulate some truthful discussion about cosmetic surgery. Since there has been so much exposure in the news, reality TV shows, tabloids, perceptions of patients and doctors about the field can be distorted and may lead both the patient and the doctor down a disagreeable path. For example, some patients automatically assume that plastic surgeons showcased on TV shows are experts and excellent doctors. This is not always the case. What makes an outstanding physician and what makes for good television is not always compatible.
I have always wondered what a patient thinks is the most important thing when seeking out a plastic surgeon especially for cosmetic surgery. Is it the reputation and if so how does one judge reputation? Is it education? Is it specific experience in a specific procedure? Is it recommendations by friends, other patients, doctors, other professionals such as hairdressers, aestheticians? Is it office location, office decor, hospital affiliation, personality? Any comments?

Dr.Yuan