Brave New World
The name Toyah Willcox conjures up images of wild hair, outlandish makeup and the distinctive voice and vibrant energy of the 1980s chart topper and star of cult classic Quadrophenia. But what happens ...
READ MORE ...Created on 13th September 2009
Nowadays it's not just models and actors who are resorting to cosmetic surgery in an effort to boost and prolong their careers - corporate workers are also going under the knife to improve their image.
Antonio Armani, a surgeon practising plastic surgery who specialises in hair transplants says: "In the corporate world, there's a lot of emphasis on image, and image goes with self-confidence." I think a lot of people do invest money in improving their looks because they feel this is one way they can go up the corporate ladder."
The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery reports that last year about two thirds of its members said that there was an increasing trend amongst women - and men - who wanted plastic surgery in order to remain competitive in the workplace.
Research shows that we tend to favour the better looking in society. Good looking graduates are more likely to get hired and employees are willing to do more for better looking bosses. Attractive people in the workplace are often perceived as more personable.
Dr Armani says that in his nine years of plastic surgery practise he has seen a growing desires amongst corporate men - especially those who work in the city - to look younger and more and more people are choosing to do this with plastic surgery.
Gordon Patzer, author of "Looks: Why They Matter More Than You Ever Imagined" says that cosmetic surgery can be a good investment for the workplace and it seems that a lot of men agree with him. Last year eyelid surgery was the forth most common cosmetic surgery procedure due to it's anti-aging results. However, men are also having nose jobs, face lifts, liposuction and Botox in an effort to stay ahead of their colleagues.
Patzer predicts that plastic surgery will soon become a tool in career advancement, just like a good education or expensive clothes. He claims that technological advances coupled with attitudes and social norms will make cosmetic surgery much more acceptable, affordable and therefore wide-spread.
