1 in 5 Consider Cosmetic Surgery
A new study has found that 1 in 5 American women actively have considered having cosmetic surgery. According to the New York Daily News, a report commissioned by RealSelf.com showed a rising trend to consider cosmetic surgery. Young women aged 25-34 were among the most likely to want to change for some part of their body. Women over 45 particularly expressed displeasure about the appearance of their neck/jowls. The survey seems to coincide with that age range within my own practice.
It is surprising how influential social media has become, as reflected in dissatisfaction of having photos taken being in the top 5 reasons that patients wanted cosmetic surgery. The survey results about patient expectations for wanting cosmetic surgery are ranked as follows: 1. Self-esteem, 
2. Confidence level,
 3. Happiness, 4. Comfort having photo taken, and 5. How I look clothed.
Now compare results to the same survey after having cosmetic survey. They are basically the same, except that patient’s opinion of their own sex appeal rises to the number 5 spot. In my 30 years experience as a cosmetic plastic surgeon, I believe that patients are sometimes embarrassed or reluctant to share the real reasons that they want cosmetic surgery. Perhaps after having surgery, their boost in confidence enables patients to accurately report their personal opinion in evaluating their sex appeal. I find that people in general follow the old adage, that if you think you look good, you also feel better about yourself. I think the survey reflects these same attitudes. In the age of social media and the popularity of “Selfies,” it’s probably more important than ever.
