Various industries, including the plastic surgery industry, have suffered worldwide because of the crippled economic conditions in the United States over the past several years. In 2009, the multibillion dollar cosmetic surgery industry reported a decrease in sales volumes. Before that, more than a decade of double-digit growth rates was enjoyed. Dr. Renato Saltz, President of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, stated in a recent interview, "Plastic surgery is feeling the effects of the recession, just like many other sectors of the marketplace. Growth in demand will likely return as the recession eases and baby boomers' offspring begin to explore surgical options."
Until that demand returns, the entire plastic surgery industry is experiencing a developing trend towards discounted products and services. Logically, when times are lean, entrepreneurs from all walks have to determine what their points of diminishing return will be. Some profit is better than no profit. Along California Highway 405, billboards stand proudly advertising $3000 discounted breast enhancement services, 2-for-1 specials on implants and other enticing offers from qualified plastic surgeons that claim to cater to celebrities. Across the country in Clearwater, Florida, $8.00 Botox injections are enticing wide-eyed window shoppers.
There are dangers to be aware of though. Stories of horror, like the one about a botched butt augmentation surgery, and the resulting death of a former 38 year old Miss Argentina, are becoming more and more common. Also logically, on a widescale basis, when professionals are forced to drop their prices of products and services because of poor economic conditions, there's also a general decline in the degree of caring and quality that is associated with providing those products and services. Dr. Marcel Daniels, prominent plastic surgeon from Long Beach, California, explains, "To get the cost down, they could be cutting back on things like general anesthesia. They make you feel like the procedure must be easier and not so serious if you're just getting local sedation. Nothing could be further from the truth."
According to the New York Times, Dr. Robert L. True, a gynecologist, not a licensed plastic surgeon, from Colleyville, Texas, was busted offering breast augmentation operations with no general anesthesia. He would prop locally-sedated clients up in their chairs about midway through the procedures so that they could approve the sizes of the implants they were receiving. This was done with their breasts still surgically opened. The lesson is that just because somebody is a doctor doesn't necessarily mean that they function ethically. When a financial squeeze gets tight enough, individuals will respond negatively in many cases. These type of botched plastic surgeries are also often paid in full, up-front, making these unethical physicians able to escape any accountability, and still able to thrive with maximum profits.
The largest percentage of cosmetic procedures not involving surgery today are facial injections. Botox and other dermal fillers plump up wrinkled facial tissues and temporarily restore a more youthful, vibrant appearance. However, this cosmetic dream-come-true can quickly turn into a longlasting nightmare, if the procedure is not performed by a skilled and experienced professional. As groups of women get together all across the planet having facial injection parties, more and more of them arrive in sad shape at professional plastic surgeons' offices in order to have the pain, bumpy nodules, swelling, bleeding and more taken care of.
Consumers need to remain attentive and realistic about cosmetic plastic surgery procedures. Realize that difficult economic situations affect everyone, even plastic surgeons thought to be wealthy, ethical and trustworthy. Dr. Alex Crothers, Los Angeles breast enhancement specialist and licensed plastic surgeon, offers, "Prospective plastic surgery patients need to realize that any surgery is serious surgery. It is imperative to only work with highly professional, experienced surgeons who deliver ethical, caring services. If you sense anything that sets off warning signals, just leave the office and shop elsewhere."
