An Analysis of the Economic Recession's Impact on the Practice of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

The United States and the industrialized world is currently in an economic recession that likely began in December of 2007 and over a short time has led to a substantial credit crisis, market collapse, and increased worldwide bankruptcy and unemployment.[1]

While traditional medical specialties have generally been buffered by changes in the economic climate, cosmetic surgery, as well as other forms of fee-for-service medical care, are strongly affected by market forces.[2]

The goal of this study is to understand the ramifications of the 2008 economic recession on the practice of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery in the United States and foster discussion regarding management strategies.

REFERENCES

• 1 Determination of the December 2007 Peak in Economic Activity. Available at: http://www.nber.org/cycles/dec2008.html Accessed October 29, 2009
• 2 Krieger L M, Shaw W W. Aesthetic surgery economics: lessons from corporate boardrooms to plastic surgery practices.  Plast Reconstr Surg. 2000;  105(3) 1205-1210 discussion 1211-1212
• 3 Krieger L M. Cosmetic surgery in times of recession: macroeconomics for plastic surgeons.  Plast Reconstr Surg. 2002;  110(5) 1347-1352