Cosmetic Procedures Still Interest Women, Despite Economy

A new poll shows that many women are still thinking positively when it comes to age-camouflaging procedures, despite the economy's lull.

Most women under 50 have not turned their backs, or faces, on cosmetic beauty-enhancement, despite the state of the economy. While the recession continues, a poll of 1,000 women carried out this month showed that 63% of those aged 18-34 and 73% of women aged 35-49 thought positively of age-camouflaging procedures.

Of the younger bracket in favor of cosmetic work, 44% said they consider Botox—administered by syringe to smooth out frown lines—to be a "routine" procedure, according to a survey conducted by E-Poll Market Research and commissioned by cable television network Oxygen Media.

"Interest in plastic surgery remains very strong, despite the economy," said Dr. Gilbert Lee, a San Diego-based plastic surgeon.

Separate statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, showed Botox treatment in the United States increased 8% in 2008, though liposuction, facelifts and breast augmentations fell markedly.

Although Botox is popular, bling is better than an enhanced bust nowadays, the poll showed, as only 22% of women aged 18-34 would prefer breast augmentation over a diamond bracelet.

Finance is not totally inconsequential, however, with 90% of women aged 18-34 preferring a vacation house in Paris than Paris Hilton's body.

Career-building seems to be a priority to women too these days, as 68% of 18-34-year-olds would rather have journalist Katie Couric's career than actress Katie Holmes's looks.

And only 23% of women aged 34-49 said they would rather have $10,000 in cosmetic procedure than $10,000 in investments.

While such procedures are mostly the pursuit of women, 70% of 18-34 year-olds said that it is just as acceptable for a man to have cosmetic work done.

Reuters, July 22, 2009

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