Lackluster Economy To Blame For Drop In Plastic Surgery

The recession is to blame for everything going wrong right now—the rise in foreclosures, the increase in unemployment and the sharp decline in the number of people who want size DD breasts. Plastic surgery numbers are steadily slipping here in the U.S. Americans, who once spent $12 billion a year on cosmetic surgery, are now tightening their budget according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. There’s been a 62% decrease in plastic surgery from 2007-2008. Consumers are hesitating now more than ever before to commit to having the pricey elective procedures done. Doctors in Orange County, Calif., the silicone capital of the world, have reported a 30 to 40 percent decline in business. And breast implant manufacturer Mentor Corp.‘s sales have decreased 5 percent during the three months ending Sept. 26 compared to the same period last year. But one country isn’t experiencing a decrease in their numbers. Find out which one, after the jump.

A sagging economy doesn’t mean the women of Venezuela walk around with any part of their bodies sagging. An estimated 30 percent of Venezuelan women ages 18 to 40 have had breast implants, according to the Venezuelan Society of Plastic Surgeons. Around 30,000 to 40,000 women a year get implants. Venezuelan men also are getting into the act, having more and more nose jobs, liposuction and shots of Botox. Men now account for 10 to 20 percent of plastic surgeries in Venezuela. This is not surprising in the South American country. Renowned Venezuelan plastic surgeon, Dr. Peter Rome, said in an interview, “In Venezuela, a woman may not have enough money for her home, but she will spend to keep up her appearance with plastic surgery and new clothes. It’s seen as a priority.” Yikes. Plastic surgery may be seeing a decline in some places, like the U.S., but it’s far from dead.