While 15 or even 10 years ago plastic surgery wasn't discussed openly, today it has become a normal part of our culture. According to the Huffington Post, American culture has embraced plastic surgery, for better or worse, not just as part of an obsession with body image, but also asa way to boost self-esteem and discover untapped confidence in one's appearance.
More than $12 billion was spent on about 11 million plastic surgery procedures in the United States in 2013 alone, and those numbers are expected to grow in 2014, according to a survey by The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. This marked a 12 percent increase in procedures performed over the previous year, continuing a rising trend since 2008.
"The numbers do not come as a surprise," noted Jack Fisher, MD, President of ASAPS. "Technological advances, less-invasive procedures, greater accessibility are making aesthetic procedures, surgical and nonsurgical, far more attractive to the public at-large. Further, the rebounding economy is encouraging people to start investing in themselves once again."
This normalization of plastic surgery has led to considerable changes in how it is perceivedacross the United States. Reduced recovery times and risk with enhancements to what board certified facial plastic surgeons are able to accomplish has led to more comfort with cosmetic surgery as a whole, and more people getting aesthetic changes to their appearance earlier in life as well. Plastic surgery has been reported to assist in career aspirations and one's love life, but often these benefits come from the self-esteem boost that patients get from feeling more comfortable with their looks.
The Huffington Post noted that while this trend has had a positive impact on life-saving and altering changes, it has also led to arise in homogenized beauty, and encouraged those considering plastic surgery not to simply try and copy the features they find appealing in others, but to discuss their options with a talented surgeon to maintain a unique appearance whileenhancing their beauty.
Anti-aging effects and life-improving surgery can help one feel more comfortable in social situations and go from a shy wallflower to a more outgoing individual, but it is important to consider personal boundaries as well. Get the procedures done you're comfortable with, and the ones that maximize your self-confidence, not just your looks.
If you're considering any facial plastic surgery, make sure to consult with the best plastic surgeon on Long Island, Dr. James Marotta. Our offices offer a wide variety of cosmetic procedures, from rhinoplasty to laser skin resurfacing. Whether you're looking for basic anti-aging treatment or major changes to face contouring, we can provide you with all of the information you need to make an informed decision regarding your appearance.
