Non Invasive Procedures Still Gaining Ground Despite Economy

Los Angeles plastic surgeon Brian Kinney, MD names three reasons for the continued growth: aging baby boomers, bariatric weight loss surgery and "Hollywood." Procedures that were once rare are now basically commonplace. Tummy tucks, thigh lifts and the like have been introduced as a way to tighten loose skin after dramatic weight loss has taken place.

The Ventura County Star detailed the experience of California resident Laurie Ramirez, who recently underwent a blepharoplasty (eyelid lift). Ramirez was the last of her social circle to have the treatment. Many Americans have chosen this relatively inexpensive procedure, helping it become "one of the five most common cosmetic surgeries in the United States." This apparently unimportant statistic might be seen as a sign of economic change in the industry.

Many more are opting for low priced, non-invasive cosmetic procedures during this time of economic turmoil. The Star also reported that minimally invasive cosmetic procedures (injectables, laser treatments etc) have increased by 81 percent just in the last 7 years.

The most apparent trend we are seeing in cosmetic surgery is probably the more reasonable, "less is more" approach." Dr. Kinney calls it "the greening" of plastic surgery. Also, he told the Ventura County Star, "I think there's a shift toward smaller implants and less aggressive face-lifts," he said. "We have smaller procedures more often."

Eva Sheie for Real Beauty News

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