Henri P. Gaboriau M.D., FACS:
The face of
By Patricia Vaccarino
How far are people willing to go to alter their appearance in order to achieve their ambition? Plastic Surgeon Henri P. Gaboriau has observed a number of individuals who are willing to realize their ambitions by improving their appearance. There are two primary factors. First, there is the financial aspect of how much money people are willing to put into changing their appearance. Second, there is the extent to which patients are willing to go to change how they look.
Since establishing his practice on the east-side area of the Puget Sound region, in the heart of Microsoft country, Dr. Gaboriau (pronounced ga-bor-ee-oh) has developed a reputation as a trusted plastic surgeon. Gaboriau is also a keen observer of how the public perception of plastic surgery is changing.
Gone are the days when plastic surgery was the playground for aberrant personalities, the very wealthy and celebrities. The great democratization of cosmetic surgery has taken place. People who elect to have plastic surgery nowadays are now considered quite normal. People are living longer, working longer and can afford to improve their appearance in a way that is beneficial to their professional and personal lives.
Who is having plastic surgery?
People of all ages, ethnicities and economic backgrounds are electing to have plastic surgery. Surprisingly, many plastic surgery patients are solidly middle class. Gaboriau has observed that the average cosmetic patient has an annual income between $40,000 and $60,000.
There is also a growing trend among women in Asia seeking cosmetic fillers, Botox injections and eyelid surgeries. Among the Asian ethnic groups, the highest rate of patients undergoing cosmetic procedures is for Korean women. Another surprising fact is that patients are much
younger. Starting in their late 20s and early 30s, many patients are electing to receive proactive, preventative
treatment to slow down the aging process instead of waiting for old age to creep in before repair work can begin.
Not just for ladies anymore
At one time, 10 percent of all cosmetic patients were men. Then the number began to climb. Over a 15-year period, the number of men undergoing cosmetic surgery has increased nationally from 10 to 17 percent.
There are two distinct categories of men who are seeking cosmetic improvement. One is composed of older men who are in their 50s and 60s. The majority of older men are still in the workforce, but while they have a great resume, they don’t always look as vibrant as their younger co-workers. They don’t want to look old or tired and are seeking a “refreshed” appearance. These men are choosing to have eyelid surgery and liposuction of the neck. Some want a mini face lift or removal of the bags under their eyes.
The younger men, in their 30s or 40s, are generally in great shape. The younger men are usually married and have young children; they tend to opt for a bit of Botox or fillers, just as a preventive action. These men are of the generation that started the “metrosexual” trend. So seeking cosmetic enhancement is considered a normal evolution of their personal care regimens.
ambition