Trump’s Victory Fuels NYC’s Plastic Surgery Surge: The Economic Upswing!
The stock market isn’t the only thing soaring high after the historic election of President-elect Donald Trump. In the vibrant streets of New York, an exhilarating wave of economic optimism is igniting a remarkable boom in cosmetic surgery—particularly in breast augmentation and liposuction, according to a prominent Long Island aesthetic specialist.
Dr. Mark Epstein, a dual-board-certified surgeon, reported a surprising uptick in his clientele starting in late summer—traditionally a slow period for his practice. This surge, he believes, is linked to the swelling support for Trump following a dramatic assassination attempt.
The shocking near-assassination was a pivotal moment in the election that helped catapult a resilient Trump back into the White House. “I could feel the momentum building. There was an unmistakable shift in consumer confidence, and I can’t explain it any other way,” Dr. Epstein, the owner of Oceane Medical Aesthetics and Wellness in Hauppauge, shared.
The influx of inquiries about body-enhancing procedures kept rolling in, as Epstein attributed this cosmetic boom to the newfound optimism surrounding the economy under the incoming Trump administration.
“As it became increasingly clear we were on the cusp of a leadership change in Washington, I sensed a concurrent rise in consumer confidence. That revitalized energy has put business back on track, and things are buzzing,” he noted.
A recent survey by Pew Research Center revealed nearly 60% of respondents expressed confidence in the 78-year-old president-elect’s economic decision-making skills.
It’s important to note that cosmetic procedures are often not covered by insurance—making them a significant financial commitment. Epstein highlighted that the number of patients seeking these enhancements directly correlates with their disposable income, which many Americans have felt squeezed for under the inflationary pressures of Biden’s presidency.
“When interest rates soar, the stock market dips, and the economy falters, we definitely feel the impact as aesthetic providers. The current administration led to a significant downturn in the aesthetic industry,” he explained. A recent Wall Street Journal survey indicated that about 75% of respondents believe that the rising costs of everyday goods have outpaced their household income in the past year.
Seventy to ninety-five percent of Dr. Epstein’s patients are women, with breast augmentation being particularly popular among those aged 18 to 35.
Liposuction continues to be incredibly trendy. Even with weight-loss medications like Ozempic emerging, many patients still prefer the more dramatic approach of having excess skin removed, Epstein noted.
One of his patients, Lauren from Long Island, has undergone multiple procedures, most recently a “tummy tuck” the day after Christmas in anticipation of her family’s annual trip to Florida in January. At 59, Lauren decided it was time to invest in herself with the improved economy allowing her to afford it.
“You know, I do have money in the market,” she remarked. “What inspired me was to become a better version of myself. With each passing year, I want to feel more confident,” she added.
“Of course, when you see the bill, you think, ‘wow, that’s a lot!’ But my philosophy is you only live once, and you can’t take it with you,” she explained.
While undergoing surgery is undeniably a substantial personal and financial decision, it is increasingly becoming a popular choice among many. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) reported a 5% rise in plastic surgeries and a 7% increase in minimally invasive procedures in 2023 compared to the previous year.
Since 2019, there has been a notable 10.2% rise in plastic surgery procedures, showcasing a growing acceptance and demand for aesthetic enhancements, according to the ASPS.
This latest surge, Epstein noted, coincides with the FDA’s approval of the highly anticipated Motiva breast implants on September 26, which has kept him busier than ever. “Launching a new medical device at a time when consumer confidence is climbing feels like a powerful explosion in our industry,” he concluded.
