Keeping Beauty Affordable in Today's Economy by Nicole Cinquini
In today's tough economic climate it's natural to "reboot" priorities and take a good look at how our hard-earned dollars are spent. Shopping at discount stores and focusing on household essentials are both on the rise, while specialty shopping for apparel, fine dining and high-end cosmetics are now regarded as expendable by more than 90 percent of consumers. According to a December 2008 American Pulse study, only 9 percent of consumers just can't live without expensive dinners and designer jeans. In the wake of apprehensions and uncertainty, it's becoming easier for most people to just say no.
But as we become an increasingly luxury-conscious society, where do we draw the penny-pinching line on beauty?
As plastic surgery and aesthetic procedures have become more accessible, even to those with modest means, the desire to change one's appearance has steadily fed the ever growing cosmetic surgery engine. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the overall number of cosmetic procedures increased a staggering 457 percent between 1997 and 2007. With more than a decade of vanity indulgence under our belts, will a sagging market lead to sagging faces around the country?
Maybe not, according to OC Medical Aesthetics co-owner Diane Bellinger in Dana Point, California. "People are still spending - they're just not spending as much or as frequently. In my own practice, despite the economic change, I've continued to receive referrals." Bellinger continues, An ethical reputation and administering treatments like Botox conservatively have helped me to push through the shift in the market." Patients who didn't think twice about forgoing ahead with a mini-makeover a year or two ago - with a price tag well into the thousands - may be trending toward a more sensible approach. "More and more, customers are telling me what they want to spend up front, and asking how to make the most of their budget", says Bellinger.
Plastic and reconstructive surgeon Val Lambros, MD of Newport Beach, California, echoes Bellinger's sentiments, noting that things are certainly not as bad as they could be. "I have been in business for 24 years, and while big ticket and small ticket procedures are both down, things could be much worse."
"In November of 2008 everything stopped for everyone in he industry", he said, "but as people have become more comfortable in the current economy, I've seen somewhat of a resurgence." This may not be the case for newer practices. Dr. Lambros attributes at least some of his continued success in today's market to an established reputation and strong referral base. "As we stand on shaky financial ground", says Dr. Lambros, "we certainly see a reflection of our culture and the premium that we, as a society, put on appearances."
In you are among the many who are not willing to let themselves go, despite the pressures of today's economy, here are a few helpful hints to keep you looking and feeling fabulous:
Botox beauties, consider spending your Botox funds on the one area that bothers you the most. If you can live with a few extra lines on your forehead for a couple of months, but need your eyes to be light and bright, as your doctor to concentrate on that area.
Can't live without your favorite product line? If it's a line you can purchase from your doctor's office or local medspa, check the expiration dates on the items you love. Product has a limited shelf life and you may be able to purchase soon-to-expire products at a discount.
Worried about paying up front for a procedure that requires multiple cycles, such as laser treatments? Don't be afraid to ask if you can pay as you go. You'll enjoy package prices, while softening the blow to your pocketbook.
Ask your doctor if he or she would be willing to offer you a credit in exchange for referrals. If you don't ask, you could miss out on deep discounts.
At the end of the day, it seems our nip "n" tuck nation can forego the finer things in life, for now anyway. But even with an uncertain future ahead, we have and will continue to find a way to put our best face forward.
OC Medical Aesthetics and Skin Care Coast Medical Aesthetics 24681 La Plaza, Suite 280, Dana Point, CA 92629 949-493-1900
Serving Orange County Dana Point, Aliso Viejo, Capistrano Beach, Costa Mesa, Irvine, Ladera Ranch Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano