17.5 Million Can’t Be Wrong!
17.5 Million people can’t be wrong, as The American Society of Plastic Surgery releases their latest stats for last year, along with the top 5 elective cosmetic surgery procedures in the United States. Here they are in order of popularity:
- Breast Augmentation
- Liposuction
- Nose Reshaping
- Eyelid Surgery
- Tummy Tucks
If we add up the number of people having cosmetic surgery to the number choosing minimally invasive procedures like Botox and temporary fillers, the number is a staggering 17,504,950. Why are over 17 million men and women seeking aesthetic changes in record numbers? In my experience, my patients report dozens of reasons for requesting a change. But studies have shown that self-esteem is often linked with the perception of your own personal appearance. There is no doubt that first impressions are proven to create strong assumptions of what people might think of us. In this age of social media and an intense focus on looks, this can serve as a harsh barometer. Confidence in one’s appearance is often related to a sense of acceptance and well-being, so now it can be measured with number of Followers and Likes or Shares. The bottom line is that elective cosmetic surgery and minimally invasive procedures continue to grow in popularity, but it is the responsibility of medical providers to give patients informed consent and for patients to have realistic expectations.
I find that many of my patients mention that they find satisfaction in their new appearance and are pleased with their decision. So whether you are sporting a new hairstyle, a flattering new outfit, or yes, even have had cosmetic surgery; the idea of feeling good about yourself often translates to self-confidence.
