Plastic Surgery Options in a Down Econonmy
We are in the midst of a harsh economy with no clear end in site. Cosmetic surgery, generally considered an option to those with disposable income, is impacted. For consumers, the impact should come as good news, since discounts and other financial incentives are easy to find. This situation is, in turn, fueling a perception of plastic surgery as a commodity to be purchased at the lowest price.
But before you take advantage of the cheapest deal you can find, remember that plastic surgery is not like buying a car. If you buy a car from a dealer or a broker, you can generally be confident that the car was manufactured according to the standards and specifications. Plastic surgery, like law, architecture and other professions, is not a standardized offering. Regardless of deals being offered, you should still take the time to find a physician with the right credentials, experience, and bedside manner to make you feel comfortable and safe.
Many people have less disposable income these days, and therefore cannot, or do not wish to, spend significant funds on cosmetic surgery. There are an increasing number of non-invasive or minimally invasive options for rejuvenation that can help significantly and that cost less than a surgical procedure.
Wrinkle fillers can be a good option. They include the hyaluronic wrinkle fillers such as Juvederm, Restylane, Perlane, and Elivesse. These products do not need a skin test, and last about six to nine months. Duration varies depending on the patient and the injection location. Smile lines (nasolabial folds) are where we animate the most, so the fillers will tend to last a shorter time that in other locations on the face. In most cases the fillers last at least six months.
Although these are all hyaluronic acid products, there are slight differences among them. Most patients will experience no difference from using the various products, but some patients find that a particular brand does work more effectively. To learn about the different fillers, go to their websites and learn as much as possible. In my view, when deciding where to go for injections, that the most important thing about the filler is “the filler” – that is, the person doing the injection. It is wise to go to someone with experience and training, even if it costs more than the lowest cost alternative.
Less invasive facial rejuvenation lasers such as the Fraxel and Sciton are popular, too. And many physician offices are now offering packages of wrinkle fillers and Botox, or laser hair removal and facial fillers. Ask your doctor about available packages that might save you money.
If you are considering a surgical procedure, credit seems to still be available – sometimes with 0 percent financing options – in the cosmetic surgery area as long as you have good credit. It’s straightforward and you can apply over the phone or online.
Finally, while there have always been some who get their hair done on the way to bankruptcy court, be prudent in these economic times. As far as I know the Earth is still spinning, and eventually we’ll move on to better days.
Dr. Josh Korman, M.D., is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has been a member of the clinical faculty of Stanford University for 15 years. He is also a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and the California Society of Plastic Surgery. He received national attention for his use of lasers in plastic surgery and for body lift surgery. Dr. Korman has been featured on “20/20”; CNN; The New York Times; The San Jose Mercury News; Gentry Magazine, and The Metro. Dr. Korman volunteers his services as physician in developing countries with Interplast; he has served on its board of directors. Locally he donates his time to the Community Breast Health Project in Palo Alto, Calif. He is an accomplished musician and playwright. He has been named one of San Jose Magazine’s “Top Docs” every year since 2000.