'Yes You Can' Afford Plastic Surgery … Despite the Ugly Economy

(ARA) - With unemployment at an all-time high, it is becoming a necessity for Americans to put their best face forward. More of us are turning to less costly, non-invasive cosmetic "touch ups" to look competent and feel confident, whether in the workplace, or pounding the pavement.

Recession-driven job losses have put more baby boomers and workers in their 50s back into the job market, and they are competing with people in their 20s and 30s. Many are looking at improving their appearance as an investment they need to make. Fortunately, a number of safe, effective and non-invasive anti-aging treatments, offered by trained and board-certified facial plastic surgeons, are now available at competitive costs.

"Patients in today's economy are looking for value: good results but priced fairly," says Dr. Donn R. Chatham, president of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS). "It is also important to trust your face to a facial specialist, one who focuses on the health and appearance of the face."

Six Popular Treatments for Cost-conscious Consumers

1. Botox injections - In use for medical purposes for more than five decades, the FDA approved Botox in 2002 for the temporary improvement of glabellar lines, the vertical lines between eyebrows. Since its approval, millions have been treated with Botox, and to date, it is still the most requested non-invasive procedure according to the annual survey of the AAFPRS.

2. Cosmetic fillers - Wrinkles not only make you look older, but they can cause others to misread your emotions, especially if the wrinkles are in areas of the face normally associated with frowning or other negative expressions. Cosmetic fillers like collagen, hyaluronic acid, Restylane, Juvederm, Radiesse, Sculptra, Evolence and others add volume to the skin to soften or eliminate the appearance of wrinkles and provide a more youthful, rejuvenated appearance.

3. Laser treatments - Non-invasive laser procedures can help reduce wrinkles around the eyes and lips, even the surface of the face, and remove blemishes like birthmarks, skin growths, acne, spider veins, warts and even some tattoos.

4. Skin resurfacing/rejuvenation - Chemical peeling and dermabrasion both remove aged, damaged skin cells to create a smoother, younger-looking surface.