Oct 4, 2008 11:58 pm US/Eastern
Health: Plastic Surgery & The Economy
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
One business is improving in these hard economic times. Plastic surgeons are busier than ever with expensive, elective procedures.
The stock market is down, unemployment is and in a competitive job market, some experts say looking good may be as important as your resume.
Theresa Rampelo, 53, says she hopes that doing something about her deep facial lines will give her a leg up if she loses her job.
"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," said Rampelo.
Plastic surgeon Doctor Amiya Prasad is seeing a surge in business as the economy tanks.
"They're coming to me to get a little bit of an edge," said Prasad.
That younger looking edge could come from a range of procedures, from injections of Botox and fillers to lasers or surgery.
"They'll look in the mirror and say you know what I need to do something," said Prasad.
Bridget Schoonover is also worried about the job market and has come for a little touch up.
"It's something to make you look more attractive, younger, more competitive in the workplace. Looks do count, unfortunately," said Schoonover.
Executive recruiter Stephen Viscusi says cosmetic procedures are no longer an indulgent luxury.
"It's not vanity and it's not superficial. It's now practical in these recessionary times," said Viscusi.
Just minutes after her procedure, Theresa already sees improvement and hopes now she'll have the edge she needs.
"I feel better, I'll look better and I'll definitely be more confident," said Rampelo.
Getting rid of wrinkles can be expensive. $500 and up for Botox and fillers.
A face lift can cost $10,000 and since the procedures are elective, they're not covered by insurance.
RELATED LINK:
http://www.aafprs.org/
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