The current economy has not dissuaded Americans from undergoing cosmetic
surgery. According to an AFP report, the number of cosmetic surgeries nationwide
rose in 2010 and again in 2011. Last year, American cosmetic surgeons performed
over 13.8 million procedures. The most popular surgeries were breast
augmentation, rhinoplasty, liposuction, eyelid work, and facelifts. Men also
received a record number of plastic surgeries.
The AFP article attributes
the increases to renewed consumer confidence and an aging population seeking to
retain its youthful looks. I think there may be more to the trend. Many
middle-aged and mature workers lost their jobs in the current recession. Yet
some employers hesitate to hire older workers for open positions. Many workers
have gotten around this difficulty by leaving age-related information off their
resumes, but when they show up for an interview, potential employers can quickly
gauge age and health and subconsciously figure it into hiring
decisions.
Cosmetic surgery could be a tool that these job-seekers employ
to look younger and more vigorous, convincing employers that they are a valuable
asset to the company and not a future drag on its resources. In a tough job
market like this one, even little changes could reap huge benefits.
About the author: Cosmetic surgeon Leon Turovsky, MD, directs the Sheepshead Bay Laser
Center in Brooklyn, New York.
surgery. According to an AFP report, the number of cosmetic surgeries nationwide
rose in 2010 and again in 2011. Last year, American cosmetic surgeons performed
over 13.8 million procedures. The most popular surgeries were breast
augmentation, rhinoplasty, liposuction, eyelid work, and facelifts. Men also
received a record number of plastic surgeries.
The AFP article attributes
the increases to renewed consumer confidence and an aging population seeking to
retain its youthful looks. I think there may be more to the trend. Many
middle-aged and mature workers lost their jobs in the current recession. Yet
some employers hesitate to hire older workers for open positions. Many workers
have gotten around this difficulty by leaving age-related information off their
resumes, but when they show up for an interview, potential employers can quickly
gauge age and health and subconsciously figure it into hiring
decisions.
Cosmetic surgery could be a tool that these job-seekers employ
to look younger and more vigorous, convincing employers that they are a valuable
asset to the company and not a future drag on its resources. In a tough job
market like this one, even little changes could reap huge benefits.
About the author: Cosmetic surgeon Leon Turovsky, MD, directs the Sheepshead Bay Laser
Center in Brooklyn, New York.