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Oct 7, 2008 1:36 pm US/Eastern

Face-Lifts Sag, Botox Rises In Poor Economic Times

53% Of Cosmetic Surgeons Surveyed By The American Society For Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Said Business Is Off

MIAMI (CBS4) ― Many plastic surgeons say they are booking fewer surgical procedures, such as face-lifts and breast augmentations. At the same time, nonsurgical procedures – which are less expensive – are gaining in popularity.

Theresa Rampelo, 53, is having her deep wrinkles filled so she can put her best face forward.

She told CBS4 Health Specialist Dr. Sean Kenniff, "I just feel getting rid of them will make me look younger so this way if I am thrown out there in the workforce it will be easier for me to get a job."

Bridget Schoonover is literally taking a shot for job security, too, saying, "Hopefully, it will make you look more attractive, younger, more competitive in the workplace." She added, "Looks do count, unfortunately."

But according to a new study from the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, cosmetic surgery is, well, sagging.

"What they found is that 53 percent of the plastic surgeons were actually seeing a 30 to 40 percent decrease in the business," said Dr. Constantino Mendieta.

Dr. Mendieta, a cosmetic surgeon in Miami, said the economic downturn has decreased expensive procedures, but increased less expensive options such as botox, wrinkle injections and liposuction or mini-facelifts.

He observed there's always been pressure on people to look younger, and now it's even more pronounced as people have less discretionary money, "They will actually break the piggy bank to go out and try to perform these procedures so they can feel more competitive in the job market."

Dr. Mendieta added, "In today's society, it's important to carry yourself with confidence, to feel good, to look good. All those things will help you in job performance." 

Theresa doesn't see a problem with going under the knife for that extra edge, saying, "I feel better. I'll look better, and I'll definitely be more confident."

She is hoping looking her best will also pay off. 

"It's not necessarily for vanity," said Dr. Mendieta. "Some have suggested it now becomes more of an investment for yourself into the future."

Many cosmetic surgeons are lowering prices or offering packages of multiple procedures in these tough financial times.

In 2006, roughly 11.9-million cosmetic surgery procedures were performed - -the latest year of data available and the highest number ever.

(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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