Generation X: Not What You Thought!
A near recession in our economy hasn’t phased the anti-aging industry. Statistics have shown that in 2010 Americans spent $10.1 billion on cosmetic procedures and the age group leading the trend was not the 78-million-strong Baby Boomer generation, but Generation X.
According to a study by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), adults between the ages of 31 and 45 accounted for 43% of all cosmetic procedures in 2010, while baby boomers (ages of 51 and 64), made up just 28%. The trend can be probably be attributed to more readily available information about products and cosmetic surgery. Direct to consumer television ads and infomercials, magazine ads, and literature in physicians offices and spas frequently feature information about new, less-invasive cosmetic procedures.
Besides minimally invasive procedures such as Botox and laser treatments, rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, liposuction, and some facial procedures like eyelid lift are popular among this age group as well. But, industry statistics show that of the 13.1 million procedures performed last year, 11.6 million of them were non-surgical given that patients may have financial constraints and are not able to take much time off of work.
Many patients consider these procedures for personal maintenance within their budget, although the cumulative cost may be greater than a single more definitive and long lasting surgical procedures. In addition to “personal maintenance,” experts say there are professional reasons for an increase in use of anti-aging remedies desire to look better for both personal and professional reasons help make them more competitive in the workplace. Who knew Gen Xers would care so much about their appearance like their Baby Boomer predecessors?
Dr. Sherrell Aston performs breast augmentation, liposuction, blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty as well as many other cosmetic surgical procedures in Manhattan on patients of all ages. He also offers minimally invasive treatments such as Botox, Juvederm, Restylane, Radiesse, and chemical peels.
