Post-Pandemic Plastic Surgery in New York
A while back, we wrote about the changes we were seeing in New York plastic surgery patterns due to the pandemic. Like most practices, we reported we needed to close for a few months when our city’s situation was at its most dire and make our equipment and supplies available for emergencies. Then, as we began to see patients again, we noted the influence of Zoom on growing demand for facial plastic surgery and non-invasive treatment.
What will the post-pandemic period bring?
That’s a good question. Like so many others in our country, none of us feels that the so-called “new normal” has arrived, or if it has, it doesn’t really feel all that normal. For one thing, we can’t say the virus is behind us just yet. And it’s unclear whether we are making progress in fits and starts, or whether further mutations will keep us on high alert moving forward.
As we navigate this time when so much is unknown, there are a couple of factors influencing our industry that seem here to stay.
Changes in Employment
A recent Forbes article noted that “a sizable chunk of the workforce no longer has to consider proximity/access to an office when choosing where to live.” The somewhat surprising way society transitioned rapidly and successfully to remote work during the pandemic likely means that many people will continue to work from home in the future. Therefore, with workers consistently using Zoom or Skype as a way to interact with colleagues, it’s probable that the interest in facial treatment will be ongoing.
As we noted in our previous post on the subject, doing jobs from home also means people have more downtime for plastic surgery. Our New York patients express much more flexibility than before with recovery time. There’s one more possible factor—disposable income realized when people relocate to less expensive environs. The Forbes story gave an example of a Google employee who moved from San Francisco to Kentucky, ditching a $4,500 per month apartment. The cosmetic surgery industry may see a bit of a boost from people who have more time AND money to invest in their appearance.
Shifting Priorities
Time Magazine recently reported on a Pew survey earlier this year that found 66% of unemployed people—at all income levels—were thinking about switching careers. And it seems everyone knows someone who has left a job that’s not fulfilling. Some people just don’t want to wait any longer to make moves to better their lives.
Does that kind of self-actualizing behavior mean more patients will head our way for plastic surgery? In New York, we would not be surprised. The people we work with have not been through pandemics before, of course. But they have been through life-changing events, such as natural disasters, accidents, crimes, divorce or even the death of a loved one. Sometimes these tough experiences have patients thinking about cosmetic procedures as a way of starting fresh. Combined with the possibility of more flexible time and other changes in the “new normal,” it might make sense that we’d see an uptick in consultation requests.
Read this story about one of our favorite friends, Mora. She chose to have a plastic surgery in New York with us after her husband passed away from a long and difficult illness. “I needed something to look forward to,” she shared.
If you’re ready to make a change, we’re ready for you. It would be our pleasure to be a part of your new life. Call us for a consultation at 202-570-6080 or email us to get started.
Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko from Pixels
