Economic woes mean fewer men seeking augmentation procedures

3 November 2008
Economic woes mean fewer men seeking augmentation procedures
by George Atkinson

Having a wang they're happy with might still be important to men, but the economic crisis is forcing many of them to re-evaluate their cosmetic surgery plans. These findings come from new consumer and plastic surgeon polls that will be released at the annual meeting of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) in Chicago this week.

"It appears more consumers are choosing the less invasive cosmetic procedures, both to give them a boost or to buy time if they need to postpone a more costly invasive surgical procedure because of the economic downturn," says, Richard D'Amico, president of the ASPS.

In March, and then again in October, the ASPS conducted identical economic surveys with consumers considering cosmetic plastic surgery within the next two years. Key findings included:

• Fifty-nine percent of respondents say the economy has had an impact on their plans for cosmetic plastic surgery, an increase of 9 percent from six months ago.
• Forty-eight percent of the survey participants are less likely to schedule a consultation appointment now compared to 30 percent six months ago.
• Twenty-seven percent of the survey participants indicated they were now considering less expensive options, compared with 20 percent six months ago.
• The survey of surgeons revealed that 62 percent reported a decrease in business.

"It is very clear the economy is affecting the demand for surgical cosmetic procedures. We are hearing that from consumers and plastic surgeons. While all areas of the country are being negatively impacted, right now it appears the eastern part has been affected to a greater extent. The Midwest has fared a bit better," Dr. D'Amico concluded.

Related:
Penile Augmentation Study Laments "Unconvincing Results"
Enlargement FAQ
More Men Opt For Surgical Enhancement
Augmentation Surgery

Source: The American Society of Plastic Surgeons