Australians are now spending about $1 billion a year on cosmetic surgery and treatments, and the industry is still growing rapidly.
The president of the Australian College of Cosmetic Surgeons, Dr Russell Knudsen, says the demand is being driven by baby boomers who want to reverse the ageing process.
"They're affluent, they're educated and they're living longer than ever," he said.
"If you used to live until 60, then you looked like 60 when you died. But if you live until 85, you may still want to look 60. "
Breast augmentation and liposuction are still the most common procedures, but Dr Knudsen says non-surgical treatments which can be performed in a lunch hour are booming.
"Less invasive techniques have taken an increasingly prominent role in managing cosmetic surgical outcomes."
"In fact, there's an enormous amount of work being done now in volumising the face using fillers which used to be performed as surgical techniques," he said.
Baby boomer Helen Brown is a prime example. The transport worker, who did not want to reveal her age, is undergoing Fraxel treatment on her face.
It's a non surgical procedure that involves laser resurfacing.
"I've got a pretty high up job and I like to keep as young as I can. I'm on the go all the time and it's important for me not to look my age to keep up with everyone else in the industry."
Ms Brown says there is minimal recovery time, which attracted her to the procedure.
"Obviously it's a little bit more painful than the hairdresser, but it's quick and there's hardly any down time. It just feels a bit like sunburn."
But it is not just about turning back the clock.
Young mother Emma Walters is about to undergo laser surgery to reduce skin discolouration.
Her treatment will be performed at the conference in the form of a workshop. Mrs Walters is keenly anticipating the results.
"During any big hormonal fluctuations, like during pregnancy, I get the big brown patches on my skin," she said.
"I'm quite lucky it's just sort of on my cheeks but some ladies get it all over their faces. But I'm really looking forward to getting rid of it."
About 700 cosmetic and plastic surgeons are in Hobart for the conference and expo.
Tags: health, doctors-and-medical-professionals, medical-procedures, lifestyle-and-leisure, australia, tas, hobart-7000 First posted April 1, 2011 07:20:00
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