Americans are not shy about looking good even if they have to go beyond genetics to do it. The ASAPS (American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery) says that in 2007 there were 11.7 million plastic surgeries performed in the U.S. alone. And at a scale of $3.2 billion spent on cosmetic procedures in 2006, the price tag to look good isn't cheap. Despite the price though Americans feel it is worth it to have minor and major defects remedied and the numbers haven't decreased even in the economic downfall of late. The majority of patients were once women looking for a youthful boost in secret but that has changed in recent times. Patients seeking cosmetic procedures today include both genders in a wide range of ages from teens to the elderly and all ethnicities groups. The myth that it is only the rich and well heeled women of reality television that are taking to aesthetic upgrades appears to be a shattered image in today's look good -feel good world. And although most patients don't want the world to know why they look so good, preferring the improvement be thought natural, most patient's report that they aren't embarrassed to be ousted either. When a cosmetic procedure is done correctly the results should look natural and make the most of the patient's natural assets making the odds of being found out slim unless the results are dramatic such as a liposuction or breast augmentation. The most popular age group for these procedures falls in the mid age range group of 35 to 50 year olds who account for a whooping 46% of the total 11.7 million such surgeries performed in 2007. This really isn't a surprise in a world that is obsessed with youth and looking young. Today people in this age group are not willing to settle for anything short of a healthy active life and most patients who choose cosmetic procedures do so to make their bodies image fit in with their younger mindset and healthy lifestyles. The most popular cosmetic treatments for 2007, the last year statistics were available, included eyelid surgery, tummy tucks, liposuction, dermal fillers and breast augmentation all of which alone or combined can help keep the fountain of youth alive and well for any age group. As Americans live longer lives and are more active than the last generation before them it only makes sense that the new sixty doesn't look like the old sixty. Plastic surgery definitely has moved outside of the arena of the rich and famous and has become not only more acceptable but more accessible to most Americans of all ages, genders and ethnicities. |
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