10/29/08

The economic crisis is forcing many consumers to re-evaluate their aesthetic surgery plans, according to results of consumer and plastic surgeon polls.

"It appears more consumers are choosing the less invasive cosmetic procedures, both to give them a boost or to buy time if they need to postpone a more costly invasive surgical procedure because of the economic downturn," says Richard D’Amico, MD, ASPS president. "We have taken the economic pulse of potential patients and ASPS Member Surgeons, and the results are in."

In March, and again in October, ASPS conducted identical economic surveys with women considering aesthetic plastic surgery within the next 2 years. The results found:

• 59% of respondents said the economy has had an impact on their plans for aesthetic plastic surgery; Up 9% from 6 months ago;

• 48% of survey participants are less likely to schedule a consultation appointment now compared to 30% 6 months ago; and
• 27% of survey participants indicated they were considering less expensive options, compared with 20% 6 months ago.

ASPS member surgeons were polled and asked to compare the first 6 months of 2008 during the economic slowdown to the first 6 months of 2007. The physicians report:

Overall aesthetic procedures

• 62% report a decrease;

• Regions most affected are the Northeast and Southeast; and the region least affected is the Midwest.

Surgical aesthetic procedures

• 62% report a decrease in breast augmentation;• Region most affected is the Southeast and the region least affected is the West.• 64% report a decrease in liposuction• Region most affected is the Northeast and the region least affected is the Midwest.• 49% report a decrease in eye-lid surgery.• Region most affected is the Northeast and the region least affected is the Midwest.• 44% report a decrease in nose reshaping.• Region most affected is the Southeast and the region least affected is the Midwest.

Minimally invasive aesthetic procedures

• 73% report an increased or stable demand for procedures like Botox®, chemical peels, and hyaluronic fillers.• Largest increase is in the Northeast and the smallest increase is in the West.[Source: Science Daily]

[Source: Science Daily]