Aussies give Botox, boob job market $45M boost

Melbourne, May 7 (ANI): Cosmetic surgery jobs had started to dwindle with the onset of recession, but Australian people's appetite for Botox and boob job are said to have helped boost the market up to 45 million dollars.

The Cosmetic Physicians Society of Australasia said the nation's harsh sun continued to drive demand for cosmetic procedures, but belt-tightening by consumers was also expected on the horizon.

Spending on procedures like Botox and laser hair removal increased 15 per cent over the 12 months to March 31, to total 345 million dollars.

"The global financial crisis has not diminished Australians' appetite for cosmetic treatments and Australians' demand outstrips that of other countries," the Daily Telegraph quoted CPSA public relations officer Dr. Gabrielle Caswell as saying.

"(But) looking to the next 12 months, it is possible that the growth in demand for cosmetic treatments may drop to below 10 per cent ... we are optimistic that demand will remain strong," Caswell said.

Australian women have been going in for anti-wrinkle treatments, "filler" procedures for lips and the face and laser treatments for scarring or hair removal.

While men have increasingly turned to non-invasive cosmetic treatments, which included anti-wrinkle treatments, acne scarring procedures and laser for permanent hair reduction.

"Our members have also reported a trend for patients to look for holistic treatments," Caswell said.

"They're asking for an overall consultation and assessment rather than simply asking for their lips to be plumped, and they're doing a fair bit of preliminary research on the new technology and treatments on offer," she said.

The figures were released as the CPSA's annual conference that got underway in Sydney on May 6. (ANI)