One of the keys to successful aging is having a positive attitude as you age. A positive attitude can add over seven years to your life expectancy. In cultures where older people are respected and honored, there seems to be less disability with age. Our culture however has not come to terms with aging. People do whatever they can to look young. Below are some statistics on what we do to our bodies to look young.
The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, in their report on 2007, said that 11.7 million cosmetic procedures were performed in the U.S. Over the last 10 years the number of surgical procedures performed has increased by 114%. More astoundingly, the number of nonsurgical procedures increased by 754%.
Here are the most popular surgical procedures:
- liposuction
- breast augmentation
- eyelid surgery
- tummy tuck
- breast reduction
- Botox
- Hyaluronic acid injections
- laser hair removal
- microdermabrasion
- laser skin resurfacing
In 2007, 90.1% of cosmetic procedures were performed on women. However, procedures performed on men are growing much faster. In fact, procedures done on men increased 17% since 2006. The most popular surgical procedures for men were:
- Liposuction
- Eyelid surgery
- Rhinoplasty (nose job)
- Male breast reduction
- Hair transplantation
- Botox
- Laser hair removal
- Microdermabrasion
- Hyaluronic acid (Hyalform, Juvederm, Restylane)
- IP laser treatment
Overall, the growth of procedures from 2006 to 2007 was 8%. It will be interesting to watch what happens to this number as the baby boomers age. That generation has a choice about how they embrace their physical changes as they age -- to accept them gracefully or to fight every wrinkle.
Not interested in surgery or chemicals? Try these Ten Ways to Protect Your Beauty.
Sources:
American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Cosmetic Procedures in 2007.
