Glens Falls, New York (PRWEB) May 22, 2009 -- Studies show that appearance matters when it comes to job interviews, and with the tight job market these days, men and women from Schenectady, Saratoga Springs and Albany are turning to plastic surgery and medical spa procedures to refresh their looks and enhance their career prospects with a "career lift." Schenectady area plastic surgeon Dr. Juan C. Garcia (http://www.drgarciaplasticsurgery.com/doctor.cfm) has seen this trend firsthand at his cosmetic and reconstructive surgery practice.

"Some people might expect interest in cosmetic surgery to decline when the economy dips," notes Dr. Garcia, "but in fact, many people looking to remain vital in the workplace or get back into the job market are taking this opportunity to refresh their appearance. Today, men and women are fortunate to be able to choose from many effective, minimally-invasive cosmetic treatments that can quickly enhance their facial features."

At Dr. Garcia's practice, popular medical spa services include BOTOX? Cosmetic, injectables like Restylane?, and skin rejuvenation through Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), chemical peels, or skincare products by Obagi?. These treatments require minimal recovery time and can be used on their own for significant aesthetic enhancement or to "touch up" previous cosmetic surgery results.

"My Albany and Schenectady BOTOX patients in particular can see a significantly more youthful appearance," says Dr. Garcia. "Often, we don't realize how lines and wrinkles around the eyes and on the forehead contribute to an aged appearance. And with the stress of working harder or making the effort to get back into the workplace, the 'worry lines' BOTOX treats are becoming increasingly common."

Another reason for the increasing popularity of medical spa treatments among those looking for a "career lift" is their affordability. Dr. Garcia and his staff strive to provide exceptional value for all patients, regardless of whether they choose surgery or a minimally-invasive procedure. But the fact remains that cosmetic surgery, while it creates longer-term results, is also more complicated and time consuming to perform, resulting in increased cost.

"For the patient who wants to have a procedure that easily fits into their budget and gives them rejuvenation results that last for many months, wrinkle treatments and skin rejuvenation are an exceptional value," adds Dr. Garcia. "That said, medical spa services can only accomplish so much, so for my patients who are seeking longer-term, more extensive revitalization, I will often recommend a cosmetic surgery procedure like a facelift or eyelid surgery instead. And even though the loss of a job can be a horrible experience, I've found that the recovery period associated with these surgeries is much easier to manage for people who don't have to take time off from the workplace. "

Saratoga Springs and Albany plastic surgery patients can have a significant advantage over other job applicants with similar training and experience, especially in sales roles and for jobs that require "face time" with clients. The research is clear that people tend to prefer others who look healthy and take care of themselves overall.

"The bottom line is that a person who is confident and assured about their appearance is much more likely to be perceived in a positive light by potential employers," says Dr. Garcia. "I'm happy to be able to help my patients 'put their best face forward' so that they have the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and talents in the workplace."

Juan C. Garcia, MD, FACS (http://www.drgarciaplasticsurgery.com) is medical director of Garcia Plastic Surgery, serving Glens Falls, Saratoga Springs, Schenectady, and Albany. Plastic surgery offered at the practice includes breast augmentation, tummy tuck, liposuction, and facelift. Dr. Garcia earned his M.D. degree from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia and completed a decade of surgical training before entering private practice. He is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.