The Oscars, Parties Spur Cosmetic Surgery Quick Fixes with Hollywood's Elite...

The Oscars, Parties Spur Cosmetic Surgery Quick Fixes with Hollywood's Elite...

...and Not So Elite, Despite Economy, Says ASPS

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill., Feb. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- In Hollywood, where image means everything, for many celebrities, looking good for The Academy Awards is as important as looking good in the movies they star in, even in a failing economy. Members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) in Los Angeles say they've seen an uptick in requests for pre-Oscar non-surgical cosmetic procedures in the last few weeks. And the trend is not limited to celebrities, say ASPS Member Surgeons. Celebrity spouses and those "behind- the-scene" are jumping on the pre-Oscar cosmetic procedure bandwagon as well.

"Every year I see an increase in celebrities and industry people wanting Botox and fillers in anticipation of the awards season," said Santa Monica plastic surgeon Michael McGuire, MD, ASPS president-elect who reports business is up 20 percent in his practice due to pre-Oscar procedures. "The numbers may be down slightly from previous years and some non-A-listers may be cutting corners as it relates to beauty, but this is still Hollywood, where beauty reigns supreme."

Because it's Tinsel Town, the economic impact is not quite as negative for the cosmetic procedure business as for other sectors during the awards season.

"Procedures have always increased before the awards, the question in this economy is how much we can expect them to increase," said Beverly Hills ASPS Member Surgeon Anthony Griffin, MD, who's business is up 25 percent, but has seen higher increases in previous years. "The entire town seems to be cutting back on Oscar-related activities, including some beauty treatments."

Even though celebrities and industry people are throwing smaller or fewer parties this year, there will still be celebrations and everyone wants to look good.

"I believe cosmetic medical care will always experience some upswing during awards season. It's an issue of livelihood," said Dr. McGuire. "Many celebrities have been getting these procedures before awards season anyway -- they're part of their regular maintenance."

Many LA-area ASPS Member Surgeons say it's not just those on the A and B lists that are coming in for a little pre-Oscar pick-me-up. Many are seeing celebrity spouses, their entourages, agents, managers, publicists, producers, cinematographers, musicians, and party hosts all coming in for procedures.

"For non-celebrities, The Oscars are like attending a class reunion or relative's wedding," said Dr. McGuire. "It may be the only time all year where they get to mingle with peers at one party. Spouses and those behind- the-scene want to make a good impression too."

LA-area ASPS Member Surgeons report most patients schedule quick fixes several -- up to 3-4 weeks -- ahead of time, so bruising is minimized and results are maximized. Most request facial rejuvenation procedures like injectables, lasers treatments, and peels.

"What a lot of people don't realize; award season starts with the Golden Globes, then continues nonstop with the SAG Awards and many others -- so January and February are filled with these pre-award season procedures -- it's not just The Oscars," said Beverly Hills ASPS Member Surgeon Frank Ryan, MD.

Some area plastic surgeons have noticed more men feeling the pressure to look good on Hollywood's biggest night. "For this sort of event, the ratio between women and men seems to be more equal in my practice," said Dr. McGuire. "My male clientele have been known to increase by 10 percent during awards season."

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons is the largest organization of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world. Representing more than 6,700 physician members, the Society is recognized as a leading authority and information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. ASPS comprises more than 94 percent of all board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States. Founded in 1931, the Society represents physicians certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons

CONTACT: ASPS Public Relations, +1-847-228-9900,
media@plasticsurgery.org

Web site: http://www.plasticsurgery.org/

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