Middle-aged professionals see cosmetic surgery ‘as an investment’

Middle-aged and older job seekers are turning to cosmetic surgery in order to stay ahead of their younger competitors, it has been revealed.

While the number of people losing their jobs continues to rise, a new report from the United States suggests that a significant proportion of those looking for new positions are opting to invest in themselves, with many going in for a surgical makeover as well as a new wardrobe.

In addition to non-invasive treatments aimed at combating wrinkles, this 40-plus group of professionals are choosing to have procedures such as laser liposuction, face lifts and even breast augmentations as they seek to get an advantage in a fiercely-competitive jobs market, the Miami Herald has reported.

"They consider it an investment,’ Dr Fredric Brandt, who practises in New York as well as Miami, told the newspaper.

"They feel the money they’re spending on this will help them get a job and that it will pay for itself and then some."

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recently reported that demand for cosmetic procedures in the US rose by 11 per cent in 2008 alone.