Recession cuts deep into plastic surgery

In better economic times, some in search of youth and beauty thought nothing of plunking down four figures for a cosmetic procedure.

Now, tummy tucks are on sale.

What’s more, recent figures from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery say the number of cosmetic procedures in the U.S. — from eyelid lifts to liposuction — fell by 17 percent from 2008 to 2009.

“It’s the economy. People don’t have the disposable income,” said Dr. Darryl Blinski, a Miami plastic surgeon. He has cut the price of a tummy tuck from $8,000 to $6,000; saline breast augmentation from $5,500 to $3,800.

Doctors say people are not giving up the desire to look better. They’re just trying to do it on the cheap. They’re opting for what doctors call “tide-you-over” procedures. Instead of a $6,000 facelift, they’re getting $400 Botox injections.

Associated Press