In a slow economy, it is usually the luxuries that are sacrificed first. But that does not seem to be the case when it comes to plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures. Despite the fact that most cosmetic procedures are not covered by health insurance policies, doctors who perform cosmetic procedures are busier than ever across the nation.

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) conducts an annual, nationwide survey of U.S. doctors that perform cosmetic surgery. According to ASAPS’s most recent findings, more than 1.8 million cosmetic surgery procedures were performed in 2003, up 12 percent from the 1.6 million procedures performed in 2002.

The trend is also apparent in Kitsap County.

“Even though the economy isn’t so great, we’re busy,” said optical plastic surgeon Dr Eric Cole of Pacific Eye Care in Poulsbo. “People don’t seem to have missed a beat.” Dr Cole’s practice offers “traditional” surgical procedures, such as facelifts and eyelid lifts, as well as less-invasive procedures that have been growing in popularity, such as Botox, Restylane, Radiance, and collagen injections.
“We are doing a lot of the less-invasive procedures,” noted Dr Cole, “and we still have a lot of people coming in to have their eyelids done, or to get a forehead lift.”

“The amount of surgery we do is increasing on a monthly basis,” said Dr. Derek Boyden of Olympic Surgical Associates. “There are many potential surgical patients entering that time of life when cosmetic procedures might be considered. Many of my patients have a similar concern: they exercise, eat well and take care of themselves — they feel good and want to look better.”

“We’ve noticed a distinct increase in demand, especially in the last three to six months,” agrees Silverdale dermatologist Dr Eric Rasmussen. Dr Rasmussen performs a number of cosmetic procedures, including injectibles such as Botox, collagen, and Restylane, photo facials, laser hair removal, microdermabrasion, and smooth beam laser treatments.

“Our office focuses on procedures that are popular and reliable, are easily tolerated, and have very little downtime,” said Dr Rasmussen.

Dr Rasmussen notes that many of today’s cosmetic procedures have received a lot of coverage in the media, including on such popular shows as the Oprah Winfrey show. He credits this as being one of the reasons for increasing demand.

“Once people know about the procedures, they aren’t as apprehensive.” He also noted that the relative simplicity of the procedures and the lack of healing time required — particularly when compared to face lifts and deep skin resurfacing treatments — made them popular.

Popularity with patients means more doctors getting into the game. Once limited primarily to plastic surgeons and doctors with specialties such as ophthalmology and dermatology, cosmetic procedures are available in a wide range of doctor’s offices.

“In Kitsap County I think there are just a couple of doctors doing [procedures] who don’t have specialized training,” said Dr. Cole. “It’s not like in Bellevue or Seattle where everyone offers something.”

As is true across the country, the patient base for both practices is predominantly female.

“Most of my patients are women, but I do see men for laser hair removal, acne scar treatment, photo facials,” said Dr Rasmussen. “I’ve had a photo facial myself.”

“Appearance is important to a lot of people, for their jobs, and their self-esteem,” said Dr Rasmussen. “Even when times are hard, there are certain personal issues that people will always spend money on.”.