Plastic Surgery,Skin Care,Cosmetic Surgery

Posts Tagged ‘Baby Boomer’

Plastic surgery is no longer the domain of celebrities. All types of people pursue plastic surgery as a means of enhancing their satisfaction with their appearances. From mothers in their early 30s to baby boomer men in their 60s, plastic surgery has increasingly been accepted as a path to self improvement.

The entrance of plastic surgery into the mainstream is evident in the statistics about plastic surgery. Comprehensive survey data is collected by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons every year, and the results reveal the surprising popularity of plastic surgery among different demographic groups. Baby boomers are getting breast lifts, upper arm lifts, and facelifts, and mothers are not shy about turning to the “mommy makeover” procedures to rejuvenate their bodies.

In 2006, 11 million cosmetic procedures were performed in the United States. These procedures included plastic surgery and minimally invasive cosmetic treatments such as BOTOX® Cosmetic. Of the people receiving plastic surgery or cosmetic treatments, the overwhelming portion remain women who make up 90 percent of patients. However, men are showing a rising interest in cosmetic plastic surgery. The number of men pursuing cosmetic procedures has risen 8 percent between 2000 and 2006.

Baby Boomers and Plastic Surgery

At this time, the 40 to 54 age group, which includes both men and women, seeks plastic surgery the most often. With nearly 5 million procedures in 2006, this age group accounted for 45 percent of total patients. People age 55 and over made up one quarter of cosmetic procedures in 2006 at 26 percent. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons both of these age groups combined displayed a 12 percent rise in cosmetic procedures from 2005 to 2006.

People in the 40 to 54 age group and especially the age 55 and over group represent the famous baby boomer demographic. With a large segment of the population aging, the rise in cosmetic procedures makes sense, but the youthful attitude of many baby boomers prompts them to seek plastic surgery. Healthy and active lifestyles are becoming the norm for people as they enter their 50s and 60s, and the desire to look young is a natural reaction.

Data from the ASPS surveys indicate that since 2005 tummy tucks have increased 7 percent, breast lifts are up 11 percent, and facelifts went up an impressive 22 percent for the baby boomer age groups.

Mothers and Plastic Surgery

The Los Angeles plastic surgery procedures of breast augmentation, tummy tucks, and breast lifts are often dubbed “mommy makeover” surgeries. Although not all women who undergo these procedures are mothers, they do provide women unhappy with how pregnancy has changed their bodies with attractive options for rejuvenation. Among women of childbearing years, typically ages 20 to 39, plastic surgery is on the rise. For example, within this age group tummy tucks were up 9 percent in 2006 over the previous year and breast lifts rose 11 percent.

According to the ASPS, more childbearing women are turning to plastic surgery due to busy schedules and their need to return to their careers quickly after becoming mothers. However, other contributing factors are the broader availability of qualified plastic surgeons across many regions and the appeal of the results that can often be achieved. Tummy tucks for example are sometimes the only way to achieve a firmer and smoother torso once skin has been stretched by multiple pregnancies.

Furthermore, women often have a deep personal desire to slim and firm up their bodies after childbearing in order to boost their self image. Some women can take considerable pride in looking good after having children, and revitalizing some of the physical firmness of their pre-pregnancy bodies provides much satisfaction.

The types of people that seek Los Angeles plastic surgery and their reasons for wanting to enhance aspects of their physical appearances are diverse. Plastic surgery attracts women and men of all different ages. No single stereotype of the plastic surgery patient exists. People generally have a natural desire to improve and maintain their appearances according to their personal preferences, and for some people this includes plastic surgery.

Cosmetic surgery has emerged as an attractive option for people from all walks of life. The baby boomer generation contributes greatly to this recent acceptance, as they have been exposed to the idea of cosmetic surgery for decades. Medical advancement is making it more and more accessible.

The fact is that we are living longer, more active lives. Regardless of age or income, feeling confident about looks is important. The emphasis on appearance reaches everywhere, from the dating arena to the workplace.

Cosmetic Surgical Advancement

Medical advancement allows for much safer cosmetic surgical procedures, with faster recovery. There are also a growing number of minimally invasive and non-invasive treatments available. Many minimally invasive treatments can be performed in an outpatient facility, rather than the traditional hospital setting. Not only more convenient, outpatient facilities can also lower the cost of cosmetic surgery.

Of the many forms of minimally invasive and non-invasive cosmetic treatments are injectables and fillers, Botox and hyaluronic acid to name a few. Each treatment works differently and is meant for specific areas of the body. For example, Botox fills out wrinkles on the forehead, while hyaluronic acid is best for areas around the nose.

Laser cosmetic surgery is emerging as a popular treatment, as well. Lasers skin resurfacing can be used to diminish scars, wrinkles and sun damage. Laser hair removal may also be the answer to permanent riddance of unwanted hair.

Cosmetic Surgery as a Mainstream Attraction

The emphasis on safer, option-laden cosmetic procedures is attracting people from all walks of life. In the past, cosmetic surgery reached a white female elite demographic. The field is now experiencing a growing interest among minorities, men and patients from various age and economic backgrounds. Stigma from the past is now outdated.

Comprehensive Cosmetic Procedures

Another new trend in cosmetic surgery involves combination treatments. What with a developed understanding of the human body, cosmetic surgery practices are not only safer and more convenient, but can also be comprehensive. Gone are the days of lengthy surgical procedures and recovery periods.

Granted, the field of cosmetic surgery still practices practicality. But it’s very common to combine many minimally invasive procedures. For example, a patient may elect to have Botox injections, hyaluronic fillers and laser hair removal in one setting.

Other cosmetic surgical procedures that can typically be combined include face and neck lifts. Liposuction can also be performed with a tummy tuck or breast augmentation. In fact, liposuction can safely be merged with most cosmetic surgical procedure to enhance results.

The Treatment Plan

Many cosmetic surgeons are enlisting treatment plans for their patients to help the patient prioritize what they would like to change about appearance. Treatment plans can incorporate timeframes ranging from a few months to several years. The emerging trend of treatment plans in cosmetic surgery opens the doors of communication between doctor and patient.

The Cost of Cosmetic Surgery