Facing Up…Now’s the Best Time

First of all, let's clear the air right now about the question of cosmetic procedures, which by the way is the proper term, according to our go-to guru, aesthetics consultant Wendy Lewis. Plastic surgery is so passé. Lewis says that pretty much refers to reconstructive surgery of things like knees.

Whether you do it, want to do it, or don't want to is up to you. Personal choice.

But it brings up some of the same divisiveness between women as moms vs. non-moms, and working moms vs. non-working moms. Seriously, why are women always pitting themselves against each other? And when are we going to stop?

One nice thing about moving into or being in your 50s is that you can mellow out and learn from each other rather than taking up arms against your fellow female…or that's the goal.

That said, let's talk about a taboo subject — getting work done. Lewis told me that this economy has created a good environment for getting things done.

"I think that most practices today are a little more price sensitive, because everybody is concerned about money. It's just the climate we're living in right now. So, there are more alternatives to the most expensive level of procedures that you can have," she explains.

"We've got less expensive alternatives in terms of different procedures, but we also have a price structure that's a little more user-friendly [for] a consumer. Often the companies are driving this, so [the company] that markets Restylane may have a rewards program."

Is this like airline mileage?

Yes, she says, explaining that it's the same as any other service business. "If I want to shop at Sephora, very often I'll wait till there's a 20 percent Friends and Family discount."

It's true; I have Insider Points and I often let them accumulate for big-ticket items.

Lewis agrees that it's similar. "There are a lot of offers around. So if you're on a really tight budget, you can shop around more than you could, at least for treatments. Prices are all across the board today."

She also mentioned that doctors are being nicer.

"Well," she clarifies, "they can spend more time with you. They're not as busy."

But you're spending a lot of money. Shouldn't they have been nice anyway?

"They just had less time to be nice — their phones were ringing off the hook. I think doctors are much happier to see you right now. There are doctors who are very busy, but the business is not like it was even two years ago."

In general, this is an ideal time to do something if you've been considering it, because of price and availability. And even a great time to just investigate your options — and your doctor. Be careful not to judge by price alone; super cheap can also mean bad service — check your doc's reputation!

"Absolutely," Lewis states. "There's no six-month waiting list. There a lot of products available at all price points. So, the person that wants to do something more than a cream has choices from peels, lasers, injections, all the way to comprehensive facelift surgery."

Aside from the economy, the season seems to be amenable too. A few docs back up Lewis's assertions:

"This is a great time to schedule a procedure or cosmetic treatment; people want to look their best before summer, so April is a perfect time for procedures — the wound healing is better as there's still less sunlight, making it is easier to avoid the sun and the humidity," explains Neil Sadick, dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon in New York City.

"From an economic perspective, things may be turning around so patients are looking to do things that they haven't been able to do as frequently. Practices are making procedures and treatments more affordable. Depending on what they want, this could be a very cost-effective time to accomplish goals; many physicians may offer discounts or packages for larger procedures."

Chicago plastic surgeon Steven Dayan, MD agrees that "spring is a good time to boost the impact of personal rejuvenation — in particular with non-surgical treatments because the results can be quickly realized. Many Americans have been conservative in spending and now with more jobs on the horizon, people are again investing in themselves."

"Spring is when most women finally have a moment to begin thinking about themselves," says NYC plastic surgeon Gerald Imber, MD. "Smaller procedures can get you ready for the good weather: microsuction, to remove early jowls or double chin, require just a day or two of down time. The same is true of fat transfers to smooth out lines, accentuate cheekbones and provide a little lift," he explains, adding, "In this economy, with people staying in the workforce longer, this is a good time to get cosmetic procedures — more than ever the most attractive among equals gets the apple. It is simple but true that looking one's best counts."