Botox, helped to fuel the increase; over 6 million Botox injections were performed in 2012, up 8 percent since 2011. This begs the question – if economic times are so tough, why are so many people choosing to spend their money on their appearance?
A nationwide survey by MetLife suggests that Generation Y (those born between the 1970s and the early 2000s) has a different set of values than those associated with the traditional American Dream. The data revealed that Americans seem to be increasingly less concerned with the previous generations’ ideals of success, e.g. getting married, buying a house, having a family, and building wealth. Rather, they are focused on the new “do it yourself” American Dream: valuing the achievement of personal fulfillment over financial success. Someone who has the choice between getting a nose job or putting money toward a downpayment for a house may choose the former simply because they believe it can make their life more enjoyable. The press release of the 2011 annual MetLife study stated:
“Americans no longer place importance on traditional elements of the Dream: 70 percent say you don’t have to be wealthy to achieve the Dream; 65 percent say you don’t need a college degree; 71 percent and 70 percent, respectively, say marriage and children aren’t essential; 59 percent say you don’t have to own a home. Instead, Americans say that a sense of personal fulfillment is key in assessing whether they have achieved the Dream.”
Essentially, Americans want to do what makes them feel good. When used for the right reasons, cosmetic surgery is a worthy investment that has the potential to significantly increase a person’s confidence and improve their overall quality of life. Whether it’s a breast reduction, tummy tuck, or other cosmetic procedure, Dr. Bitar can help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
If you are interested in a cosmetic procedure around the Fairfax, Alexandria, McLean, or Reston areas, contact the Bitar Cosmetic Surgery Institute to schedule a consultation. Please feel free to call (703) 206-0506 or fill out our online request form today.
George Bitar, MD, FACS is an award-winning, board-certified cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgeon, the Founder and Medical Director of Bitar Cosmetic Surgery Institute in Virginia. He specializes in the latest surgical and minimally invasive techniques to scar management and reduction. Dr. Bitar is involved in groundbreaking research and education in plastic surgery and has authored numerous articles, abstracts, and chapters.
