Plastic surgery, also called cosmetic surgery in some countries, is a generic term given to describe medical procedures which are cosmetic in nature.
For example, a face lift can be carried out to make someone look younger than they are, rhinoplasty can be carried out to change the shape of a person's nose and liposuction can be done to make a person look slimmer.
Most people today know at least something about cosmetic surgery, and studies have shown that the majority of these people have thought about having plastic surgery done or would like to have it done if they could afford it.
But why do so many people want to resort to surgery to change the way they look, whereas in the past people were far less concerned with the way they looked? Well, there are many factors to consider, but some of the major reasons are listed below.
1 - Cost Of Cosmetic Surgery
Cosmetic surgery used to be something only the rich and famous could afford. However, today costs have fallen dramatically from what they once were. In addition to this, people are earning higher incomes than before. Both of these factors combined have contributed to plastic surgery becoming far more affordable to the average person than it once was.
2 - Celebrities Having Plastic Surgery
Today's society is surrounded by actors and singers, the majority of whom, it could be argued, have had some type of cosmetic procedure carried out to enhance the way they look and to enhance their career.
It is not surprising therefore that anyone who looks up to these beautiful celebrities will desire to emulate them and their success. For many people, the answer to achieving this is by having cosmetic surgery.
3 - Cosmetic Surgery In The Media
Society is much more open about cosmetic procedures than it was even 10 years ago. For example, shows such as "Nip & Tuck" are centered around plastic surgery drawing in millions of viewers each episode.
The internet has also played a significant role in the increase in popularity of cosmetic surgery. Now it is possible for anyone with a computer to research a particular procedure they are interested in, all from the comfort and privacy of their own home.
4 - Self Esteem
Some studies have shown than the levels of people's self esteem are steadily falling each decade. More and more people are beginning to feel inadequate because they feel they don't look as attractive as the celebrities they see around them, or because they are not earning as much money as they would like.
For some people, cosmetic surgery is therefore a way to not only improve the way they look, but also to improve the way they feel about themselves. This can then help to improve their social interactions with others, and may also even help to improve their career.
Will Plastic Surgery Continue To Increase In Popularity?
All indicators are that plastic surgery will continue to increase in popularity for the foreseeable future. The two factors which will most likely contribute to this increase are decreasing cosmetic surgery prices and more mainstream acceptance of surgically enhanced bodies.
Of course, nobody is saying that one day everyone will have had some kind of plastic surgery, as there will always be people who are happy with the way they currently are. But if society as a whole is made to feel more inadequate with who and what they are, the numbers of people seeking plastic surgery is likely to rise significantly for some time to come.
