Would you have plastic surgery if it was free?

December 20, 2012

Are attitudes towards plastic surgery changing?
Are attitudes towards plastic surgery changing?

Positive or negative, almost everyone seems to have an attitude about plastic surgery. Headlines are made when a celebrity such as Selma Hayek declares she will never undergo the knife or a naturally-aging star such as Susan Sarandon finally gives in and has her jaw sculpted.

Telegraph.com reports that the results of a new survey in the UK indicate that most Brits might opt to grow old gracefully even if plastic surgery was offered free of charge. Of the 750 women polled, 44 percent said they would opt for surgery. Further, the survey showed that those who said “yes,” would only do so if they could be sure that surgery would make them both more attractive and younger-looking. The informal survey was done by Fabriah.com, a beauty retailer that benefits from a survey suggesting consumers buy creams and potions instead of having plastic surgery.

The survey also considered age, finding 18-to-30-year olds the most likely group to consider surgery and those 55 plus the mostly likely to shun surgery. It also distinguished between those living in the city and the countryside; city girls were far more in a favor of plastic surgery.

Singer Kylie Monogue recently expressed her views on the “plastic or no” issue in the January issue of Elle UK. She shared that she plans to grow old gracefully. She said, "I'm not against surgery, I haven't gone down that route yet and I don't know whether I will, but I'm not against it. The only time it isn't amazing is when it's not well done or someone takes it too far. But I look at someone like Jane Fonda. I'm a superfan of hers. She doesn't apologize [about her surgery] and she shouldn't have to. We put make-up on every day, we tint, pluck, wax, we do anything to make ourselves look as good as we can and I think it's pointless being hypocritical about something that if it's done well can be really good."

Interestingly, numbers released earlier this year by the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons suggests male surgery, which counts for 10 percent of all surgery in Britain, is climbing at a faster rate than ever with the amount of men having male breast reduction doubling in the last five years. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic surgery reports that over 9 million cosmetic procedures were performed in the US last year, a 1% increase from the previous year.

One thing has definitely changed. While cosmetic procedures were a nonissue for many people for many years, the decision of whether or not to undergo procedures, such as Botox injections, has become as commonplace as the decision of whether or not to dye one’s hair.


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

The wrong reasons to get plastic surgery

May 23, 2013 - An aesthetic surgery procedure can help you boost your confidence and get the body you've always dreamed of, but the decision to go under the knife should not be one entered into lightly.

Woman sought for administering plastic surgery without a license

May 22, 2013 - A disturbing case out of New York should serve as a reminder to those considering plastic surgery that it's always important to seek out the services of a board-certified cosmetic surgeon. Even minimally invasive procedures like Botox injections must be carried out by licensed, trained individuals, or else patients could experience disastrous results.

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.

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.

Latest Articles

The wrong reasons to get plastic surgery

May 23, 2013 - An aesthetic surgery procedure can help you boost your confidence and get the body you've always dreamed of, but the decision to go under the knife should not be one entered into lightly.

Woman sought for administering plastic surgery without a license

May 22, 2013 - A disturbing case out of New York should serve as a reminder to those considering plastic surgery that it's always important to seek out the services of a board-certified cosmetic surgeon. Even minimally invasive procedures like Botox injections must be carried out by licensed, trained individuals, or else patients could experience disastrous results.

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.

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.