There’s plenty of information circling the web and journals regarding the influence the current economic situation has had on patients’ plastic surgery choices. A survey published in the Aesthetical Surgery Journal found that the number of aesthetic surgical procedures decreased between 2008 and 2009 and continues to go down. Meanwhile, the number of non-surgical anti-aging procedures (like skin resurfacing and cosmetic injectables) has increased.
This trend would seem to indicate that patients are happier to achieve shorter-term results if it means they can save money on the treatment. However, a second survey published in the same article found that an astounding majority (95%) of patients would rather undergo a treatment that gave them longer-lasting results than one with immediate but short-lived results. Similarly, 60% of patients believe that the cost of procedures took a back seat to the duration of results. Patients are willing to pay more when they know their facial plastic surgery results will last longer than less expensive non-surgical procedures.
This may be one of the reasons that anti-aging facial plastic surgery procedures like facelift, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), and more were among the top cosmetic surgical procedures in 2011 according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. While patients are postponing their surgeries in order to save up for them, they are still opting for medical anti-aging treatments to help themselves achieve a younger look with longer-lasting results.
Younger patients are also beginning to opt for less invasive anti-aging procedures to help stave off the effects of aging before they require more invasive rejuvenation measures like a brow lift. By utilizing technologies like Ulthera® non-surgical facelift, Matrix RF™ skin resurfacing, and injectables like Botox® and Dysport®, patients in their 30s and 40s can help to keep fine lines and wrinkles at bay.
When patients are ready for more intensive anti-aging treatments, it’s imperative that they find a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in facial plastic surgery. With certifications in both plastic surgery and otolaryngology (surgery of the head and neck), Dr. Fernando Burstein has over 20 years of experience in cosmetic and reconstructive facial plastic surgery. Dr. Burstein and his medical team know that while patients want to appear younger, they still want to look like themselves. He understands the importance your facial features play in your everyday life and tailors each patient’s surgery to his or her needs, aesthetic goals, and desired outcome.
For more information on facelift surgery or other anti-aging procedures, visit Dr. Burstein’s website. To stay up to date on the latest in plastic surgery trends and news, follow Dr. Burstein on Facebook and Twitter.
