Posted: 05/15/09

Faced with lackluster economic news, and a belief that hiring is based on looks, millions of American women are looking at cosmetic medical procedures to give them a competitive edge in the workplace. A new telephone survey* compiled by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) of women between the ages of 18 and 64, reveals that cosmetic surgery procedures now appear to be an important rung on the success ladder.

• 73 percent (almost three out of four or, 84-million working women) believe, particularly in these challenging economic times, appearance and youthful looks play a part in getting hired, getting a promotion, or getting new clients.
   
• 80 percent (four out of five or 92-million working women) think having cosmetic medical procedures can boost a person's confidence.
   
• 13 percent (more than 1 out of 10 of the 115-million working-age women) say they would consider having a cosmetic medical procedure specifically to make them more confident and more competitive in the job market.
   
• An astounding 3 percent (nearly 3.5-million working women) say they've already had a cosmetic procedure to increase their perceived value in the workplace.

Insurance Broker Janice Axelrod, a baby-boomer, recently had aesthetic procedures on her abdomen and face. "Time has given me the professional knowledge. But time can take away the youthful sparkle of my appearance if I let it. When you look good, you feel confident. That gives me a competitive edge and something my clients have come to expect from me," says Axelrod.

ASPS Member Surgeon Loren Schechter, MD performed Axelrod's cosmetic procedures at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, Illinois. He says "Not only do the women believe youthful looks help in the workplace...they're acting on that belief."

John Canady, MD, president of ASPS, says, "Consumers need to remember that while cosmetic procedures might help them in the job market, they're still medical procedures." Canady says women still need to proceed with caution. "Patient safety is ASPS' number one concern. Women need to do their homework. Go to the ASPS website at www.plasticsurgery.org to find an ASPS Member Surgeon in your area."

*Survey conducted by Opinion Research Corporation. Results have a +_3% error range.

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Before and After Photos