America's vainest cities

July 21, 2012

America's vainest cities
America's vainest cities

For many people, maintaining an attractive appearance can be a lot of work. Whether it involves getting Botox injections, dyeing the hair, applying makeup or more invasive cosmetic procedures such as liposuction, tummy tuck or breast augmentation, looking good can be time-consuming.

And now an analysis by Men's Health magazine revealed which areas of the U.S. are more likely to be called home by those who spend a lot of time and money on maintaining their appearance. The publication took several factors into account, including rates for cosmetic procedures, hair salon visits and spending on anti-aging goods and services. Additionally, the analysis tallied sales of at-home hair dyes, teeth whiteners and shapewear, as well as per-capita rates of cosmetic dentists, plastic surgeons and tanning salons, to reveal the nation's vainest cities.

America's vainest city, according to the publication is Tampa, Florida. Not surprisingly, other locales that ranked in the top ten include "Sin City" (Las Vegas); Atlanta, Georgia; Miami, Florida and San Francisco, California. Three Texas cities - Plano, Dallas and Houston - also were included, as were two northeastern cities that may come as a surprise to some - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Providence, Rhode Island.

On the other hand, the least vain areas of the country include Memphis, Tennessee; Toledo, Ohio; Detroit, Michigan; Burlington, Vermont; Fort Wayne, Indiana; Kansas City, Missouri; Fargo, North Dakota; Sioux Falls, North Dakota; Lincoln, Nebraska and Des Moines, Iowa.

While some areas may have higher-than-average rates of cosmetic surgeries, the total number of these procedures has increased dramatically in recent years. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), the overall number of cosmetic procedures performed in the U.S. has increased 197 percent since 1997. While more and more Americans have turned to surgical and nonsurgical procedures to help them enhance their appearance, a recent study from ASAPS also found people are more open-minded than ever about plastic surgery.

The February 2011 study found that more than half (51 percent) of all Americans, regardless of income, approve of cosmetic plastic surgery, marking a 3 percent acceptance over 2009. In addition, the study found that 67 percent of Americans would not be embarrassed if their friends and family knew they had cosmetic surgery.


The mission of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) includes medical education, public education and patient advocacy. Plastic Surgery News Briefs are summaries of current stories found through various news and magazine outlets that relate to or mention plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures. The views expressed in these news articles do not necessarily reflect the opinions of ASAPS, but are merely published as an educational service to our members and the general public. For additional information on these subjects and other plastic surgery related topics, please go to www.surgery.org

Search by location (Zip, City, or Country)

Related Articles

Summer safety tips for everyone

May 21, 2013 - This time of year, the media is chock full of skincare tips.

Why your arms don't look the way you want them to

May 16, 2013 - When you imagine the perfect gym body, you probably picture bulging biceps, round shoulders and taut forearms.

Five little changes that can make a big difference in how you look

May 15, 2013 - The change of the seasons may inspire you to undergo a transformation, but going through a makeover is time-consuming and oftentimes overwhelming.

Dove advertisement brings up question about body image

May 8, 2013 -   Have you seen the new Dove advertisement that's been making a splash on social media? The soap company is known for its "real beauty" campaign, which celebrates the human body in all of its natural forms. This most recent ad, however, draws particular attention to the way we view ourselves and the insecurities some people have about certain facial features.

Battle of the sexes: How the faces of men and women age differently

May 6, 2013 - One of the joys of being in a committed relationship is growing old together, but men and women don't always have the same experiences while aging.

Latest Articles

Summer safety tips for everyone

May 21, 2013 - This time of year, the media is chock full of skincare tips.

Laser treatment for tattoo trouble

May 17, 2013 - It’s easy to understand the impulsive rush of enthusiasm that can send one running to the tattoo parlor. It’s also easy to understand how ‘life’ can intervene in the form of new relationships, new careers and new directions, so that the once glorious tattoo becomes an embarrassment.

Why your arms don't look the way you want them to

May 16, 2013 - When you imagine the perfect gym body, you probably picture bulging biceps, round shoulders and taut forearms.

Five little changes that can make a big difference in how you look

May 15, 2013 - The change of the seasons may inspire you to undergo a transformation, but going through a makeover is time-consuming and oftentimes overwhelming.

Is there still time to get your beach body?

May 13, 2013 - Did summer creep up on you this year? In many places, the cooler temperatures lasted a long time, and this may have made it difficult for some people to motivate themselves to get their "beach body" in shape.

About ASAPS
The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), is recognized as the world’s leading organization devoted entirely to aesthetic plastic surgery and cosmetic medicine of the face and body.  ASAPS is comprised of over 2,600 Plastic Surgeons; active members are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (USA) or by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and have extensive training in the complete spectrum of surgical and non-surgical aesthetic procedures. International active members are certified by equivalent boards of their respective countries. All members worldwide adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and must meet stringent membership requirements.

Website: www.surgery.org
Follow ASAPS on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ASAPS
Become a fan of ASAPS on Facebook: www.facebook.com/AestheticSociety
Become a member of Project Beauty: www.projectbeauty.com
Locate a plastic surgeon in your area:  http://www.surgery.org/consumers/find-a-plastic-surgeon

Copyright © 2009-2012 ASAPS. All Rights Reserved.