Plastic Surgery in the Recession

People who receive plastic surgery and cosmetic treatments aren't all upper-income patients, in spite of the stereotype, and this means the tough economy will have an impact on the plastic surgery industry in 2009.

In a 2008 survey by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, some 27 percent of patients said they were considering less expensive options. That figure is up from 20 percent during the past years.

For example, a person may consider injections rather than a major surgery. Doctors say they might cut prices, depending on further feedback.

Before the economic recession took hold, the society polled more than 600 people who said they were considering plastic surgery during the next two years. Plastic surgeons were stunned to learn that:

- 30 percent reported annual incomes of less than $30,000.

- 41 percent made between $30,000 and $60,000.

- 16 percent made between $60,000 and $90,000.

- A mere 13 percent reported incomes higher than $90,000.

So much for associating plastic surgery exclusively with Hollywood and Beverly Hills.

According to the people surveyed, their main reasons for plastic surgery and cosmetic treatments are to improve their looks and often to enhance their romances or their prospects for romance. They said that they did not feel that they were vain or self-centered. Many wanted to remove or alter an irritating physical feature.

Nearly half of plastic surgery and cosmetic treatment patients are between 35 and 50, but nearly a quarter are younger than 35.

As for gender, 91 percent of plastic surgery and cosmetic treatment patients are women, but the number of men undergoing plastic surgery is growing rapidly.

The society reported that 11.7 million Americans spent money on either plastic surgery or cosmetic treatment during 2007. Figures for 2008 still are being compiled. Plastic surgery patients spent $8.3 billion on plastic surgery during 2007, led by liposuction and breast augmentation, and another $4.7 billion for cosmetic treatments, led by Botox injections for younger-looking skin.

Some doctors say they specialize in convincing insurance companies to help pay for various plastic surgeries and cosmetics, and patients often are surprised to learn that they qualify.

Through the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, doctors also reported their standard fees for dozens of procedures and treatments. Here are a few examples, followed by total amounts spent in a year:

- Breast augmentation, $3,600 ($1,185,920,285)

- Breast lift $4,200 ($437,952,317)

- Remove breast implants $2,319 ($63,669,776)

- Nose reshaping $3,511 ($1,047,697,610)

- Liposuction $2,750 ($832,747,086)

- Tummy tuck $5,063 ($740,343,243)

- Facelift $4,856 ($505,305, 441)

- Botox injection $492 ($2,011,283,275)

- Chemical peel $686 ($729,527,236)

- Cellulite treatment $192 ($6,453,888)

Most people who undergo plastic surgery can avoid paying for a hospital bed. Seventeen percent of procedures were performed in hospitals, 29 percent in free-standing surgi-centers and 54 percent in doctors' offices.

Caucasian Americans comprise 67 percent of the population and received 78 percent of the plastic surgeries and cosmetic treatments over the course of the survey year. Hispanic Americans are 14 percent of the population and comprised 9 percent of patients. African Americans are 13 percent of the population and comprised 6 percent of patients. Asian Americans are 5 percent of the nation and were a matching 5 percent of patients.