Cosmetic surgeons, hairdressers and beauty experts are enjoying a beauty boom as record numbers follow through on New Year’s resolutions focused on self-improvement.
Plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr Scott Ingram, who owns Brisbane surgical clinic Form and Function and non-surgical Clinic Aesthetic, said that 2012’s first quarter is his most heavily booked in five years.
“The hype of reinventing yourself for the new year, or resolutions like more ‘me-time’, normally see a huge spike in bookings around January and February, and 2012 is our busiest new year yet,” he said.
“Surgical bookings for January, February and March at Form and Function are up 15 per cent on last year, and for Clinic Aesthetic, they’re up 20 per cent. The most heavily booked surgical procedures so far are breast augmentations and liposuction, and the most requested non-surgical procedures are injectables and fillers.”
Small business owner Sharon Cotterall, 53, had her first Endermologie appointment last week after resolving that in 2012 she would finally try to improve the cellulite that had been concerning her over the last few years. “I’ve always wanted to try Endermologie but it kept getting bumped to make way for other priorities – not this year. I made a commitment to take better care of myself – my new year’s motto is ‘looking great is feeling great,’ and I’m sticking to it…. Endermologie has made such a difference – my clothes fit better my skin is firmer and amazingly the cellulite is less noticeable on my legs,” she said.
For award-winning hairdresser Carole Haddad, owner of Corcorz Hair, the new year means an influx of new clients and some dramatic changes for existing ones, resulting in a hectic early 2012.
“Early in the year I always have clients wanting to chop off long locks, get extensions for shorter cuts, or try a totally different colour – it’s all about new beginnings, change and improvement!”
Dr Ingram said that while certain beauty treatments are more popular than others, for many of his clients, it’s not just one aspect of beauty that they’re embracing in the new year, but a holistic self-improvement regime.
“Many of my surgery patients are visiting Clinic Aesthetic for follow up non-surgical treatment such as laser or makeup application, and then asking us for recommendations on where to visit for hair, spray tans and more – people just can’t get enough of all things beauty.”