Nowadays, plastic surgery isn’t just for celebrities. More and more people are investing in it. In fact, in 2019, plastic surgeons performed a total of 18.1 million cosmetic procedures.[1] While reasons for undergoing plastic surgery vary from patient to patient, there may be some hidden facts you don’t know about. If you are considering plastic surgery for yourself, you might want to know a little more about the benefits. Read on to learn 14 little-known cosmetic surgery facts.

1. It Improves Your Physical Health

You know the old saying, look good feel good? Well, to an extent, this actually applies to plastic surgery. For example, when a woman gets a breast reduction NJ, it helps her posture and eliminates any back problems.

Another great example would also be nose reshaping. This is perfect for anyone who may be experiencing respiratory issues, which can help to alleviate breathing problems and help prevent sleep apnea.

2. It Keeps the Weight Off

For anyone who may be struggling to lose weight, they may consider an obesity-related surgery such as liposuction NJ and a tummy tuck. Think about it: you have to work really hard before the surgery, so why not do so after as well?

This type of cosmetic procedure is definitely a kick-starter to a healthier lifestyle. One that may even save your life. As best plastic surgeon New Jersey states, several people who have this type of surgery go on to lead extremely active lifestyles and may even motivate others to do the same.

3. Did You Know Plastic Surgery Has Nothing to Do with Plastic

Just because a person chooses plastic surgery, doesn’t mean that they’re actually “plastic.” Plastic surgery was actually documented way back in the 16th century (and even l when Italian physician, Gaspare Tagliacozzi, pens the first official textbook about plastic surgery[2] – some 200 years before the actual invention of plastic.[3]

4. More Men Are Now Getting Plastic Surgery

Many people believe that only women undergo plastic surgery. However, according to the LA Times, 91% of these patients are women, however, the total number of surgeries for men went up 2% from 2009 to 2010.[4]

Even though both genders are up for plastic surgery, the types of surgery do vary. While women are more interested in breast treatments, men are now going in for facelifts to increase skin elasticity.

5. More People Are Getting Cosmetic Surgery to Look Like Celebrities

There are thousands of people who use plastic surgery to change one single aspect of their appearance. However, there are also a handful of people who use it to completely change their look. In fact, a man by the name of Jordan James Parke spent a whopping $150,000 to look like Kim Kardashian.[5] Let’s not forget the people who spend thousands to get that Perfect Barbie and Ken doll figure. While imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, top plastic surgeons do not recommend this.

6. Butt Augmentations Increased in 2019

Yes, butt augmentations have gone up to almost 18% in from 2015 to 2016![6] This is a prime example of the shifting aesthetic preferences in the US.

7. People Spend Billions Annually on Cosmetic Procedures 

In 2016 alone, people spent $13.5 billion dollars on cosmetic enhancements.[7]

8. Plastic Surgery Originated in Eygpt

There was a time where plastic surgery wasn’t always a method to help make people feel more attractive. In Egypt, they had believed that a person’s face should look the same in the afterlife as it did while they were alive. After anyone of importance died, Eygptians performed cosmetic surgery on the body to make their best features stand out.

9. South Korea Takes First Prize as Country with Most Cosmetic Surgeries

A 2009 survey revealed that as much as 1 in 5 Seoul women has undergone some type of plastic surgery. Over 350,000 surgeries were performed, with more than 44,000 of them for double eyelid surgery in 2010.[8]

10. Cinderella Surgery is an Option

Yes, “Cinderella Surgery,” a cosmetic procedure, is designed to shorten feet.  This controversial surgery is done basically to shorten your toes so the footwear fits better.

11. Selfies and Social Media Affect the Cosmetic Surgery Industry

Usually, you just make sure you have a great angle, amazing lighting, and plastic surgery? In recent years, the ‘selfie’ craze has opted more and more people to go out and get plastic surgery.

This study was conducted by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. In 2014, they decided to do a follow-up survey which stated, “surge in self-awareness and increase in requests for aesthetic procedures (especially those in the 30-set) sired by selfies shows no signs of declining.”[9]

12. WWI Played a Large Role in Developing Plastic Surgery

At this time, it was finally considered a legitimate branch of medical science. Why? Well, surgeons were forced to become a bit more creative when it came to handling these new types of common war injuries. Think about it, they were dealing with pilots and passengers who had shattered jaws, dismembered noses, or terrible skull injuries.

13. In 1895, The First-Ever Breast Augmentation Occurred

A German singer wanted to have this surgery because she was asymmetrical. She had tissue removed from her hip, which was then transplanted into her breast.[10]

14. A Plastic Surgeon Performed the First Organ Transplant

Be that as it may, many people do not think of transplant surgery as having anything to do with plastic surgery. But it happened; the first successful organ transplant happened back in 1954. Joseph E. Murray performed this transplant successfully.[11]

The organ was a kidney to be exact. Murray went on to further treat burn victims and those with facial disfigurements. However, this transplant procedure was incredibly groundbreaking.

Cosmetic Surgery Facts to Consider Before Your Procedure

As we will see, plastic surgeons pioneered many life-enhancing procedures that go far beyond the cosmetic. Everyday technology is changing and advancing, making any type of cosmetic procedure possible, with less downtime. However, it is important to note that surgery is still surgery and there are always risks involved. Taking the time to do your own research, ask questions, and choose the best plastic surgeon for you is critical.

We hope that these facts not only interest you but help you to make an informed decision based on your needs and what works best for you! Have any more cosmetic surgery facts to share? Leave a comment in the comments section below.

Learn More with Berlet Plastic Surgery

If you are interested in cosmetic surgery, it can help to speak to an experienced professional.  For more cosmetic surgery facts and a free consultation, contact Berlet Plastic Surgery! Dr. Anthony Berlet has served men and women in the northern New Jersey and New York City areas for over 20 years. Whatever type of cosmetic surgery, Dr. Berlet can provide insight into the procedure and how it might change your appearance and your day-t0-day life.

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[1] American Society of Plastic Surgeons: 2019 National Plastic Surgery Statistics

[2] American Society of Plastic Surgeons: History of Plastic Surgery

[3] BBC: A brief history of plastics, natural and synthetic

[4] LA Times: Face-lifts: Men get more plastic surgeries, but women still get the most

[5] Daily Mail: Kim Kardashian fan Jordan James Parke spent $150,000 on more than fifty cosmetic procedures…

[6] Womens Health Magazine: Will Butt Implants Really Give You The Bigger Booty of Your Dreams?

[7] PR Newswire: American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Reports More Than $13.5 billion Spent for the First Time Ever

[8] ABC: Nip/Tuck Nations: 7 Countries With Most Cosmetic Surgery

[9] People: Selfie Craze Causes Surge in Plastic Surgery Procedures

[10] Reuters: Timeline: A short history of breast implants

[11] NCBI: Dr. Joseph E. Murray