Interesting Facts About Cosmetic Procedures in 2008

Cosmetic surgery is a growing fad in the United States. Even though between 2007 and 2008 the numbers dropped for the people that had cosmetic surgery done; the numbers are still shocking that they almost doubled between 2000 and 2008 (The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery). The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery says the top five surgical procedures are breast augmentation (implants), liposuction, eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty (nose job), and abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). The ASAPS also say the top five nonsurgical procedures are Botox, laser hair removal, hyaluronic acid (filler similar to Botox), chemical peel, and laser skin resurfacing. Costs for these procedures range immensely.

The national averages for 2008 for the top five surgical procedures are: breast augmentation-$3885, liposuction-$2933, eyelid surgery-$2921, rhinoplasty-$4369, and abdominoplasty-$5470 (ASAPS). The national averages for the top five nonsurgical procedures are: Botox-$443/injection, laser hair removal-$326, hyaluronic acid-$566, chemical peel-$704, and laser skin resurfacing-$2094. A few other interesting numbers are breast reduction, which costs around $5630, face lift costing around $6728, and otoplasty (ear surgery) at $3054 (ASAPS).

A few more interesting facts from ASAPS are that only 62% of women and 51% of men approve of cosmetic surgery. Forty percent of women and 18 % of men say that they would consider cosmetic surgery in the future according to ASAPS. Twenty-seven percent of women and 31% of men say that they would in fact be embarrassed if anyone outside of their close family and friends knew they had plastic surgery (ASAPS). The next fact shows how times have changed and the growing popularity of cosmetic procedures. According to ASAPS between the last five years cosmetic surgery has gained favoritism by 23% in women and 18% in men.

First of all I have to say that I am not surprised by the numbers, but I am shocked about a few of the facts. The main fact that disturbs me is that with the high rate of people getting cosmetic surgery procedures done, there is still a high embarrassment rate, and also a high disapproval rate. Some of the cosmetic procedures that are completed are for purely cosmetic reasons, but some are from birth defects, genetics, accidents, and even cancer that have caused deformities.

I approve of cosmetic surgery for certain things. I do not approve of it in people younger than 18 just for the purpose of them getting a larger cup size. The reason for this is that the young teenagers are still growing. Right now they might have low self esteem or body image that makes them want to have it done. I do not agree with the parents that let their 15 year old get breast implants up to a full D cup. I think it's wrong on so many levels. Instead of letting your child buy their self esteem, you need to get them counseling and find out why it bothers them so much. As another point, I must say that I do think it is just fine for a person under the age of 18 to have cosmetic surgery for an example for a congenital defect called micromastia, which is a severe underdevelopment of the breasts (ASAPS).

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, "2008 Statistics". The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery