Statistics from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) reveal that plastic surgery is on the rise in the United States. In 2013 alone, Americans underwent 11 million cosmetic procedures, spending more money than they had in the past five years. With this in mind, a recent article published on the Smart Beauty Guide website, the ASAPS’ new consumer education brand, attempts to shed some light on what has been driving this growing trend.
According to the source, there has been an increasingly strong focus on physical appearance over the past several years – particularly with the rise of Facebook, Instagram, and other social networks that encourage people to share photos of themselves on a regular basis. This is likely part of what is motivating Americans to get rhinoplasty, breast augmentation surgery, and other common plastic surgeries.
Additionally, the news outlet suggests that there is a financial component to this trend.
“Once people have more money to spend, they are likely to purchase items that they want – not those they necessarily need,” reports the source. “[Dr. Michael Edwards, the president-elect of ASAPS,] said that people may invest in their appearances when they have this extra cash lying around, whether they’re spending more money on cosmetics and clothing or finally buying that breast augmentation they’ve been dreaming about.”
When it comes down to it, there are many different reasons why people consider plastic surgery. Ultimately, it’s an extremely personal decision that can be made with the help of the best board certified plastic surgeons. To discuss your options, schedule a consultation with Earl Dwayne Lett, MD of The Lett Center.