Take the 20 second debt test Figures reveal Britons borrow an estimated £1.4 billion[i] per year in loans to finance plastic surgery, and this is set to increase in 2009 as nearly one million consumers will take out loans for a nip and tuck, with the majority of these being British Mums.

 
While many of us are feeling the pinch of the credit crunch, body-conscious Brits are prepared to get themselves in the red to go under the knife, especially British Mums, funding costly cosmetic treatments with credit cards, loans or by borrowing money from family or friends.

 
Debt management company Kensington Financial Management Consultants is helping many women with their finances following cosmetic treatments. Lee Parkin said: "Aesthetic surgery is one UK industry that is booming, despite the economic climate. 91% of surgery is carried out on women[ii] as they make efforts to stay looking young and fashionable to keep up with today's celebrity yummy mummies, such as Jordan (Katie Price) and Victoria Beckham. Today's Mums are under pressure to look good and are prepared to pay for it, even if they can't afford it."

 
BAAPS (British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons) has noted a significant rise in demand for cosmetic treatments, especially for British women. Women had 31,183 procedures in 2008, up from 29,572 in 2007 (an increase of over 5%). Some of the most impressive increases have been recorded in breast augmentation and tummy tucks (both up by 30%)[iii].

 
Parkin adds: "More and more Mums are finding themselves in debt, especially from cosmetic treatments, and are turning to debt management companies like Kensington Financial Management Consultants to help manage and reduce their debt post surgery.

 
"If mums really do want cosmetic surgery there are other ways to pay for it rather than getting in to debt - Mother's Day is one such opportunity. Instead of presents come March 22nd, Mums could ask for money towards cosmetic treatments. Or they could do it the old fashioned way and save up over time - sacrificing other luxuries like foreign holidays, nights out or designer clothes would help raise funds for a make over. Or even take a second job temporarily until they have the funds. There are many options other than getting into unnecessary debt."

 
Furthermore, research from Mintel found that many of Britain's mums who have not already had surgery, are likely to consider going under the surgeon's knife for a nip and a tuck. In fact, three in five (57%) of those with young children* dream of having a tummy tuck, whilst half (49%) would consider liposuction[iv].

 
Non-invasive procedures such as Botox and other wrinkle fillers, as well as teeth whitening and laser hair removal, have seen a large rise in popularity. This may be because they are viewed as less risky than full-blown surgery and treatments can normally be administered in a lunch-time.

 
It is expected that the cosmetic surgery market will continue to grow with experts predicting that globally patients will spend over £11.5 billion by 2011.

 
With the recession showing no signs of abating, Kensington Financial management Consultants has compiled a few top tips for looking good that won't break the bank:

 
1.     Invest in good quality products to look after your skin at home

2.     Drink plenty of water and eat a healthy balanced diet for good skin

3.     Exercise regularly, outdoors if possible

4.     Buy good-fitting underwear to hide any lumps and bumps

5.     Treat yourself to a non-surgical makeover – new products and shades could give you a whole new look


[i] Abbey Loans

[ii] British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, January 2009

[iii] British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, January 2009

[iv] Mintel 2008

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