Just three decades ago, talking about cosmetic surgery was considered taboo. Women did not want to flaunt that they were using surgery as a means to enhance their beauty. Going under the knife was considered something only celebrities and rich people could afford.
Today, cosmetic surgery is a billion-dollar industry. Many consider cosmetic surgical procedures a good and affordable tool to achieve aesthetic goals. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), almost 18 million cosmetic surgeries were performed across the country in 2018. Many states make full use of cosmetic surgery, but among the top states where such procedures are popular is Utah.
How widespread is cosmetic surgery in Utah?
From simple injections to afull-on tummy tuck, people in Utah aren’t shy about getting medical help to get fuller lips, do away with wrinkles, or remove bulging stomachs.
Forbes named Utah’s Salt Lake City as the vainest city in 2007. Ten years later, the use of cosmetic surgery remains prevalent that Utah had more plastic surgeons per capita in 2017 than New York or California, which is home to Hollywood celebrities.
Another interesting statistic is that two-thirds of women within Utah know someone who has had cosmetic surgery. It’s normal for a procedure to be given to a woman as a graduation present or a holiday gift.
Why is cosmetic surgery popular?
The Utah and Women Leadership Project (UWLP) traces the roots of the phenomenon to poor body image and beauty ideals that society imposes on women. But Forbes states that an increase in the number of young and affluent professionals moving to small cities like Salt Lake City could be one reason for the rise in the number of plastic surgeons.
If you have the money and access to cutting-edge cosmetic surgery, why wouldn’t you want to improve your appearance? Who wouldn’t want a mommy makeover when you’ve given birth to several children?
What are popular cosmetic procedures?
Per ASPS data, the most popular cosmetic procedures in the US in 2018 were:
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Breast augmentation – It involves surgically inserting an implant or fat to increase the size and improve the balance of breasts.
- Liposuction – It involves removing excess fat from a specific body part to improve its shape.
- Nose reshaping – It focuses on changing the size and contour of noses.
- Eyelid surgery – It can treat sagging eyelids or eye bags.
- Tummy tuck – It involves removing excess fat and skin, specifically on the abdomen for a flatter, smoother, and firmer tummy. It is usually performed with liposuction.
The industry considered 2018 as the “year of the body” since there was a significant increase in the number of people getting breast augmentation, liposuction, and tummy tuck. Also, more people underwent sculpting procedures for buttocks and thighs.
Now that you know something more about the industry, are you thinking of getting a tummy tuck or nose reshaping? The UWLP states that despite technological advances, cosmetic surgery still poses some risks to patients. So, it will be best to talk with a board-certified plastic surgeon. The ASPS states that such a surgeon can guide you toward the best options for your needs.
