Cosmetic Surgery is Increasing in Popularity

Is Everyone Doing It?
Cosmetic Surgery is Increasing in Popularity — for Some Very Good Reasons. Not so long ago, cosmetic plastic surgery was one of those "does she or doesn’t she?" topics. Except for obvious celebrity transformations such as Ivana Trump and Cher, many people couldn’t be sure why even a good friend looked so rested and relaxed after a recent trip to Manhattan or southern California. On the newsstand, articles about cosmetic plastic surgery were generally confined to magazines devoted to health. Today, however, cosmetic surgery has become a popular subject at suburban cocktail parties, coffee shops and in the workplace.

Articles about microdermabrasion ("Improve your complexion on your lunch hour!"), collagen injections ("Kiss your thin lips goodbye!") and other cosmetic surgery trends can be found every month in high profile fashion magazines such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and Elle.

An Affordable Option for Millions of Americans
No longer the private domain of wealthy women, cosmetic surgery is rapidly becoming an affordable option for millions of Americans. Recently, a vibrant 73 year old woman approached a plastic surgeon at a Minneapolis cocktail party. Smiling, she said "I know who you are, I know what you do and I’ve been thinking about breast implants." As they chatted, she told him that she was a widow and that she felt it was time to do something that made her feel good about herself. She said "I could go out and buy a whole new wardrobe, but I want to do something more meaningful for myself. I realize there will be some risk, some pain and some recovery time associated with the surgery, but to me, it’s worth it." As the surgeon recounted their conversation, he smiled and said "This woman’s vitality, confidence and realistic expectations make her an ideal candidate for cosmetic surgery. I’d be honored and delighted if she chooses me to be her surgeon."

Over One million Procedures in 1998
According to statistics published by the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (ASPRS), the number of cosmetic surgery procedures has increased 50 percent over the last two years and 153% over the last six years, to top the million mark at 1,045,815 in 1998. Liposuction, at 172,079 procedures, (a 57% increase since 1996 and a 264% increase since 1992) remains the most commonly performed cosmetic procedure in the United States, followed by breast augmentation at 132,378 procedures (a 51% increase since 1996 and a 306% increase since 1992), eyelid surgery (120,001 procedures), facelifts (70,947 procedures) and chemical peels (66,002 procedures).

Cosmetic Surgery for Aging Baby Boomers
The ASPS has identified a number of trends that account for these dramatic increases in the number of cosmetic surgery procedures, including the vast number of aging baby boomers, the increasingly competitive workplace and the general decrease in the cost of cosmetic surgery. According to American Demographics, over the next ten years, a baby boomer will turn 50 every 8 seconds. Since 1996, when the first boomer turned 50, the number of cosmetic surgery procedures in this age group rose from 164,662 (1996) to 242,427 (1998), an increase of 47%. Says Paul Schnur, MD, ASPRS president, "Due to healthier lifestyles, men and women age 50 and older are feeling good about themselves and want to maintain a youthful appearance. As this large segment of the U.S. population ages, we anticipate the increase in cosmetic surgery to continue."

Competitive Workplace Pressures
Increased pressures in the workplace are one reason that 9 percent of all cosmetic procedures are performed on men. In bold letters, the cover of Fortune magazine (February 1) declares that experienced executives are "Finished at 40." Inside, the article states that "…a new trend is emerging: In corporate America, 40 is starting to look old." To combat the painful reality of this trend, more and more men are choosing liposuction to eliminate their not so lovable love handles, blepharoplasty to adjust their drooping eyelids and facelifts to boost their sagging jowls. Wrinkles, crows feet and other tell-tale signs of aging are being erased with laser skin resurfacing and chemical peels. Says Dr. Schnur, "More and more men are having cosmetic surgery, not only to look and feel younger, but also to give themselves a competitive edge in the workplace."

"I don’t Want to Look Like my Mother!"
Another reason why cosmetic surgery appeals to the baby boom generation is the ability to minimize their resemblance to their parents. As the first generation to dramatically redefine adulthood in America, both men and women boomers are loathe to let Nature take its toll. Says John M., a successful 49 year old business owner, "I run and do push-ups every morning, even when I’m on the road. I watch what I eat and I just got some hip new eyeglasses. Despite my best efforts, whenever I look in the mirror, I see my dad staring back at me!"

Says Claire N., a striking woman in her early 40’s, "I’m comfortable with my age – I didn’t mind turning 40 at all. However, when someone tells me that I look like my mother, I feel like crying!" When asked if she’d consider cosmetic surgery, Claire admits that she’s already scheduled a cosmetic surgery consultation as a birthday gift to herself.

Active, youthful boomers are not the only ones choosing cosmetic surgery. More seniors age 65 and over are choosing to enhance their retirement years with cosmetic surgery. Like the boomers, the most popular procedures with seniors are eyelid surgery, facelifts, liposuction and laser resurfacing. While many Americans may question the decision to undergo surgery at an advanced age, thousands of others would no doubt agree with the vibrant 73 year old Minneapolis woman when she says "I just want to feel good about myself again."