What recession? Bring on the rhinoplasty

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It’s good to know the economic downturn isn’t leaving Americans down in the mouth -- or thick in the thigh, for that matter. Statistics released Tuesday by two cosmetic surgery groups found no lack of takers for Botox, liposuction, face-lifts and other body fixes.

According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, procedures declined only 2% last year, despite the recession. The most popular surgical procedure was breast augmentation, followed by liposuction. Rhinoplasty -- nose jobs -- increased 74% in 2009, however.

The most popular non-surgical procedure was Botox injection followed by hyaluronic acid injection. Men make up 9% of the customer base. Only 7% of the procedures are among people age 65 and older.

Another group, the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, found its most common surgical procedure was liposuction. Tummy tucks and eyelid surgery, however, are gaining ground.

The most common age for Botox is 47, and the most common age for breast augmentation is 36. As for cost, face-lifts are more than $7,000, on average, while tummy tucks are almost that much. Hair transplants are a whopping $6,000, on average. Wow. Either the recession isn’t that bad or Americans really like their hair.

-- Shari Roan

redit: Ken Hively / Los Angeles Times