The Increasing Demands of Cosmetic Procedures.

INTRODUCTION:

The 21st century has made the cosmetic surgery industry very lucrative. Television reality shows have put a spin on the procedure by targeting everyday people and marketing it as a makeover or a new beginning type of experience. Cosmetic procedures can be surgical and non-surgical. Surgical methods include facelifts and liposuction, and are performed in a surgeon's office-based facility, an outpatient surgery center, or a hospital. It's usually done on an outpatient basis, but some surgeons may hospitalize patients for a day when using general anesthesia. Non-surgical procedures include Botox injections and Laser Resurfacing, usually performed in a surgeon's office in less than an hour. Three main reasons for having a cosmetic procedure are changing an inherited trait for example a "nose job," the second reason is to turn back time and minimize the effects of aging, and finally body contouring for example liposuction and a breast lift. Another reason would be having a disfigurement due to an accident or a birth defect.

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the rising demands of cosmetic procedures, and how the supply is being met in different ways than just the doctor's office. First I will describe the history of cosmetic procedures to include costs and consumers. I will compare the history with the current trends of procedures being performed today. Second I will discuss the impact media and famous artists have on consumers seeking a cosmetic procedure. Then I will explain how some plastic surgeons are capitalizing on the demands and how other doctors are also trying to meet the demand of cosmetic surgery. Finally, I will provide my interpretation of the findings, with a critical analysis and economic theories.

COLLECTED DATA.

Beginning:

In her article, Ellen Feldman (2004) dates the history of cosmetic surgery back 2,500 years; however,