Increase in Cosmetic Surgery in the U.S.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons released statistics on cosmetic plastic surgery, and reports that:

"Nearly 11 million cosmetic plastic surgery procedures were performed in the United States in 2006, up 7 percent from 2005. Surgical cosmetic procedures increased 2 percent, with more than 1.8 million procedures performed. For the first time, breast augmentation (329,000) is the most popular surgical procedure since the ASPS began collecting statistics in 1992. Minimally invasive cosmetic procedures increased 8 percent, with more than 9 million performed, and hyaluronic acid injectables (778,000) make the top five for first time. Reconstructive plastic surgery decreased 3 percent."

Among the overall trends, "vaginal rejuvenation" increased 30% since 2005, with 1,030 reported. I have mixed feelings about cosmetic surgery. On one hand, you have every right to blow your money that way. On the other hand, I think there's something awry when nearly two million people in one year choose to have elective surgery because they don't think they look perfect enough. I'm also distubed by the Society's piece on what they term "Mommy Makeovers," which apparently include breast augmentation, tummy tuck and breast lift:

"In this day and age, women are giving birth later, returning to their careers sooner, and have busier schedules than ever before. Many are finding cosmetic plastic surgery to be the answer to returning to a pre-pregnancy shape they are comfortable with," said ASPS President Roxanne Guy, MD."

Yeah, women, didn't you know that if you give birth and return to the workplace, you better not look like you popped out a kid? Weren't you just on vacation last week? Damn, you lost some weight. Sheesh.

The Society also reports that women represent 90% of all cosmetic surgery patients, and rates among women are up 55% since 2000. Rates among men are up 8% from 2000, but down 7% from 2005.

Previous related posts:
-Cruel Times for Vaginas
-News Round-Up - 3/11/07 (scroll down to "Feministing takes on vaginal rejuvenation")

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