In Michigan, cosmetic surgery, like economy, needs a lift.(relationship between Michigan's economy and the demand for plastic surgery procedures)

Byline: Patricia Anstett

DETROIT _ In a new wrinkle for Michigan's battered economy, plastic surgeons are experiencing the worst downturn ever for cosmetic procedures _ while the treatments soar elsewhere in the country.

The pinch began two years ago and by mid-June of last year, "everything suddenly came to a standstill," said Dr. Michael Busuito, a Troy plastic surgeon. "Husbands told their wives, `I don't care if you want a face-lift. I could lose my job.'"

With jobs cuts, home sales stalled and profit-sharing checks gone, demand in Michigan has dwindled for cosmetic procedures, particularly big-ticket surgeries such as breast augmentation and tummy tucks.

Cosmetic plastic surgery is "like diamonds, jewelry and fancy cars," said Dr. Michael Gellis. "If you don't have the money, you don't spend the money on it. It's been a two-year downhill run."

He said his business has …