Interestingly in the last few years, Americans still spent more on products and procedures to make our faces look better. It may seem counterintuitive in our hurting economy but experts say the lackluster economy is actually part of the reason for our collective attempts for “putting on a good face”.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) reports that while total cosmetic surgeries fell by 2% recently, the number of what they call “minimally invasive” procedures rose by 6%. The most popular of these remain Botox^® and Dysport (the brand names for botulin toxin) injections, followed by filler injections (like Juvaderm), chemical peels, laser hair removal and microdermabrasion.

“Facial rejuvenation procedures, both surgical and minimally-invasive, experienced the most growth in 2012,” an ASPS press release states. That includes a record-high 6.1 million botulinum toxin injections to freeze our frown lines and crows’ feet.  Although the overall number of surgeries fell, the demand for facelifts and eyelid surgeries rose 6% and 4%, respectively.

This phenomenon is referred to as the “lipstick effect” and is something consumer psychologists see as soon as the economy heads south. The theory states that as people cut back on big-ticket spending the buy little indulgences as consolation prizes. For example instead of buying that new pay of expensive shoes, maybe we’ll buy that an eye catching shade of lipstick. Or, in this case, we’ll get Botox^® instead of the more expensive nose job or tummy tuck.

However recent studies show that wealthier Americans are more diligent about keeping spending in order to look good.  A new survey by Unity Marketing, which examines the spending patterns of affluent Americans, found that the rich are becoming more cautious and for the affluent in this nation, replacing a facelift procedure with Botox^®, makes sense.  People want to save money but don’t want to look like they are.  Most, affluent or not are willing to invest in ways to keep up appearances.

Thankfully, Newport Beach Botox^® is affordable for most everyone and we do deals frequently at our offices in Newport Beach and elsewhere. If you are in the Newport Beach area and are interested in what Botox^® can do for you, contact our office today!