A new survey by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) shows that more than half (51%) of all Americans regardless of income approve of cosmetic plastic surgery. This is a 3% increase from 2009. 

According to the February 2011 report, 52% of respondents with an income of under $25K approve of cosmetic surgery (48% of respondents with an income between $25K and $50K approve, 45% of respondents with an income between $50K-$75K approve, and 56% of respondents with an income above $75K approve) and 29% of the respondents who earn under $25K would consider cosmetic surgery for themselves.  

“As the numbers suggest, people in every income bracket, single or married, male or female, view plastic surgery as a reasonable option today,” says Felmont F. Eaves III, MD, President of ASAPS. “Taking care of yourself and paying attention to physical appearance is increasingly important to everyone. As both traditional surgical procedures have been improved and refined, and new nonsurgical options have become available, aesthetic plastic surgeons have more to offer to our patients.”

Other key findings of the study include:

    53% of women and 49% of men say they approve of cosmetic surgery.
    67% of Americans would not be embarrassed if their friends and family knew they had cosmetic surgery.
    27% of married Americans and 33% of unmarried Americans would consider cosmetic surgery for themselves, now or in the future
    67% of white Americans and 72% of non-white Americans say they would not be embarrassed about having cosmetic surgery.
    Most Americans (71%) said their attitude toward cosmetic surgery had not changed in the last five years, though 20% said it was ‘more favorable.’
    Out of all age groups, men and women between the ages of 18 and 24 are the most likely to consider plastic surgery for themselves now or in the future (37%).
    77% of Americans 65 or older say they would not be embarrassed about having cosmetic surgery.

The study was commissioned by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) and conducted by the independent research firm Synovate.

More.

[Source: ASAPS]