Sagging Faces a Remedy for Sagging Economy

Who knew the vanity of liberals would be a boost to the economy?

To heck with Champagne, break out the Botox. It's inauguration party time.

Washington, D.C.-area cosmetic dermatologists, and skin experts in other major cities, say despite the sagging economy, requests for quickie cosmetic fixes, such as Botox and microdermabrasion, have picked up during the last few weeks as people pretty-up for inaugural fetes.

"We have been absolutely swamped since the election with people desiring rejuvenation procedures for the upcoming inauguration," says Washington, D.C., cosmetic dermatologist Tina Alster.

"My normal load for cosmetic procedures has doubled, except for hyaluronic acid fillers — Perlane and Restylane — which have almost tripled," reports cosmetic and laser surgeon Hema Sundaram, who runs two offices in the Washington, D.C., area.

Despite a 2008 survey released last week by The American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery that revealed almost 96% of cosmetic surgeons were concerned about the economic downturn and that 79% had already felt its effects, many patients, like interior designer Jan Lynch, 59, says tough times haven't put the breaks on her preparations.

"My motivation is to look the very best I can for such a historical event. I've flown in to D.C. from California for this," says Lynch, who will attend the swearing-in ceremony as well as a black-tie ball with her husband.

Lynch says she stopped by Sundaram's office this weekend for cosmetic treatment, which included Botox and hyaluronic acid fillers.

Sundaram's patients include men, but are mostly women over 35 who include Washington socialites, professionals in politics who will work and mingle socially with the Obamas, and others attending satellite inauguration events.

Journalists, politicians, lobbyists and lawyers are among Alster's clientele. "They have all come in at once," she says.

Maybe they can put permanent smiles on their faces for the glorious era of Hopenchange.