Cosmetic surgery is on the rise, indeed. The truth is that people desire to look and feel attractive and they are willing to spend money, out of pocket and otherwise, to improve their image. Despite the economic downturn, job losses and high unemployment rates, people are seeking elective procedures to enhance their appearance, more than ever. It is interesting how supply and demand, and increasing competition, breeds competition, for both patients and doctors, alike.
The more patients seek and have elective procedures performed, the more doctors branch out and add more procedures and services. That makes sense – and cents, which is why Awesome Medical Marketing got into the online marketing and web-directory business – to inform, guide and link consumers and prospective patients from the search engines to doctors and surgeons listed on our top ranking guides.
The Parallels of Supply and Demand
Rule 1: Image is a big player in the way we operate, and the law of attractiveness matters, and thus, dictates human behavior – in many ways. Not our rule, the truth is in the stats and is also indicative in the number of GQ, Vogue and fashion magazines sold per month, globally. Conclusion, people care about appearances.
Rule 2: Regardless of financial disposition or economic status, many people want to look more attractive than their “real self” and they are willing to spend the money and finance “beautification” even if they are already “really” attractive. There must be something to gain from self modification in order for people to invest in it, for instance: confidence, esteem, love, romance, jobs, careers, money, mommy makeover, youth, status, etc.
Rule 3: The rule of supply and demand is relevant. So, for example, if image matters, and there is something to gain from self improvement, and if the job supply is low and more people are competing for the same number of jobs, then certain people may resort to cosmetic improvements to look younger and more appealing, compete in a tough job climate,– and potentially get the job! This may be especially true for aging baby boomers, as suggested in this article.
Rule 4: If the demand for something is high, then the world of capitalism responds accordingly - there will be a rise in the number of providers and suppliers in the marketplace who will want to partake in the commerce. Physicians are intelligent and innovative, which is why many doctors are embarking upon career changes and expanding their clinics to include cosmetic procedures, products and services. Not only is this true in the USA, but there is also more competition, abroad. Just look at how medical tourism has grown in popularity over the last few years.
Advice to Doctors and Surgeons– Make Sure Patients Find You
Now, prospective patients have many options as more doctors, dentists, dermatologists, even OB/GYNs opt-in to offer additional cosmetic procedures and services, as indicated in this USA Today article “Some doctors try to profit on cosmetic surgery rise”. The article attributes the surge in offerings to the fact that “cosmetic procedures are soaring in popularity, because consumers opted for 69% more cosmetic procedures — everything from a shot of collagen to a face-lift — in 2009 compared with 2000, according to an April report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
The bottom line is that competition is on the rise among providers as more people search online for cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures, surgeons and specialists, locally and internationally.
As online marketing specialists, our responsibility at Awesome Medical Marketing is to offer informative guides that help prospective patients learn about procedures, costs and care, and find doctors, surgeons and specialists. All we do is build highly searched directories and guides that link patients to you.
If you are a surgeon, doctor or specialist who needs more patients to find you online, then make sure your website is attractive, add videos and beef up your online marketing efforts and SEO strategies. We are more than happy to be your online marketing partner.
The Cardinal Rules for Patients to Find Experienced Cosmetic and Plastic Surgeons
There are four cardinal rules to seeking a qualified surgeon. If you are seeking a cosmetic or plastic surgery procedures, make sure you follow these rules:
1. Be certain the surgeon or doctor is licensed in the state that he or she is practicing in and the state where you are having the surgery performed.
2. Ask your surgeon how many procedures he or she has performed. A rule of thumb is to look for a specialist who is focused and devoted to the certain areas of practice that you seek. Make sure the doctor or surgeon you select is experienced and qualified to perform the surgery or procedure you desire. Look for a cosmetic or plastic surgeon that focused on specifically on the procedures that interest you. Experience is a key factor in selecting the right surgeon.
3. Ask to see before and after photos. Look for consistencies between the surgeries and patients. The more before and after photos they have to show you, the better. This allows patients to get a visual idea of the surgeons’ work.
4. Check to see if the surgeon has any reported malpractice cases, lawsuits or wrongful death lawsuits that were filed. If it is in the area of surgery you desire, you may want to select another surgeon or simply ask for an explanation.
Follow these rules and you are on the right track. After all, it is your health, appearance and happiness that matters.
Our team at Awesome Medical Marketing wishes you great success and all the best with your search to become better, personally and professionally.
