Signs of economic recovery may not only be apparent in the rise of the FTSE but also in the inflated chests, flatter tummies and botox-paralysed faces of city workers.
Sleepless nights over plummeting share prices might not be the only reason why some employees look tired out during a recession as a lack of disposable cash to spend on plastic surgery could also a contributory factor.
At a time when city workers are beginning to celebrate the return of high bonuses, plastic surgery provider The Harley Medical Group's City Clinic, based in Great Street Thomas Apostle, has experienced an increased demand for procedures such as man boob reductions and tummy tucks.
September figures for this clinic show a 24% month on month increase in enquiries about plastic surgery procedures.
Tummy tucks among male patients are up 68% year-on-year and male breast reduction (the reduction of Moobs, or Man boobs) is up 14% year on year for the month of September.
Meanwhile, female executives are opting for non -urgical treatments. Bookings for these treatments were up 27%.Both male and female patients opted for Botox last month, which was up 18% last month year-on-year.
Henry Walworth, a sales analyst at one of the UK’s top five investment banks, said: “Although my job makes it hard to stay trim I made a lifestyle decision to lose weight earlier this year, which left me with a flap of loose skin on my stomach and stubborn fat on my chest.
"I felt terribly self-conscious and uncomfortable in the gym, which was my main motivation for surgery. I have booked in for a tummy tuck and male breast reduction in November because.With the total surgery bill coming to around £10,000, I will be using my bonus money to fund the surgery.”
Liz Dale, director of The Harley Medical Group, said: "We noticed it at the beginning of September. In the city it had been quiet for the last six months. Now we have got people coming in again saying 'make me look healthy and well.' They feel it's good for their careers and their confidence."