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Large Numbers Support Interest in Cosmetic Surgery

A survey conducted by UCLA scientists and reported in the latest issue of the Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery shows that most women and large numbers of men are intersted in having cosmetic surgery. Forty eight percent of women in the survey showed interest in cosmetic surgery, liposuction or both, and 23 percent said there might be a possibility of interest. For men, 23 percent said they would be interested in surgery, and another 17 percent expressed possible interest. Additionally, 21 percent of women and 11 percent of men described themselves as unattractive, and 31 percent of women and 16 percent of men reported feeling so uncomfortable in a swimsuit that they avoid wearing one in public.

Lead author of the study, David Frederick, was surprised to find no relation to people's body image and their interest in cosmetic surgery, and even those without a poor self image expressed interest in surgical alteration. Frederick claims, "People interested in cosmetic surgery did not report less satisfaction with their body or face than people who are not interested. People interested in liposuction, however, did report lower body satisfaction, even when statistically controlling for body weight."

The American Association of Plastic Surgeons reports that nearly 11 million cosmetic surgery procedures were performed in 2006 - a 48 percent increase from 2000. In 2004, around 90 percent of these procedures were performed on women.

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