God knows it is THE place that families can cut back or at least delay. From where I sit (advertising for 1500 to 2000 plastic and cosmetic surgeons) business is booming right along. The article would be a better read if the reporter had some actual sources or statistics showing a decline in spending and procedures. In fact, the professional societies, American Society of Plastic Surgeons and other such groups, showed about a 3 percent uptick going into '08 over the previous year. All the surgeons I speak with are busy as bees. Knock on wood!