Even a down economy did not stop the rising demand for plastic surgery. Despite tough economic times, the number of cosmetic procedures performed in the United States doubled between 2000 and 2012, according to the new study, “A 12-Year Analysis of the Relationship Between Market Trends and Cosmetic Case Volume.” Presented at the American Society of Plastic Surgery’s annual meeting, the study provided an in-depth evaluation of how economic factors impacted the demand for cosmetic procedures.
Although the overall growth of plastic surgery procedures during the recession is undeniably impressive, researchers discovered a more nuanced story when they broke the numbers down. The number of major surgical procedures performed dropped, declining 27 percent in the period between 2006 and 2009. In contrast, the demand for minimally invasive procedures soared, displaying steady annual growth throughout study period.
“At our office, we have certainly seen an increase in minimally invasive procedures like Botox Cosmetic, Juvederm, and Voluma injections,” says noted Seattle-area plastic surgeon Dr. Shahram Salemy. Non-surgical procedures that include injectables and peels and minimally invasive procedures offer patients a less intense method of reshaping the face or body to improve their appearance by firming the target area, smoothing the skin and creating a more youthful look.
Researchers suggested that a shift in patient payment behavior may have been at least partially responsible for the swing towards minimally invasive procedures. Instead of going through insurance companies, something that patients who undergo major surgery generally must do in order to fund their procedures, many patients elected to undergo minimally invasive procedures that were financed through direct-pay models offered by plastic surgery practices.
Dr. Salemy also points to the convenience that minimally invasive procedures offer. “These are procedures that usually take just a few minutes and can be done any day of the week in most cases.” Both he and his lead nurse injector, Lindsey, provide these procedures to patients at Dr. Salemy’s Seattle, WA, office. An award-winning, board certified plastic surgeon who is committed to helping people reach their aesthetic goals, Dr. Salemy also offers surgical procedures like facial rejuvenations, breast augmentations, tummy tucks and mommy makeovers.
To request a consultation with Dr. Salemy regarding minimally invasive procedures, call (206) 467-1101 or email the Seattle office.
