A record number of women having facelifts fuelled a 12% rise in cosmetic operations in Britain last year, figures show.
A record number of women having facelifts fuelled a 12% rise in cosmetic operations in Britain last year, figures show.
A total of 32,453 surgical procedures were carried out, compared with 28,921 in 2006, the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons said.
A total of 32,453 surgical procedures were carried out, compared with 28,921 in 2006, the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons said.
Some 91% of patients were women, but "tummy tucks" and breast reductions on men also increased to record levels.
Some 91% of patients were women, but "tummy tucks" and breast reductions on men also increased to record levels.
Association members reported a 37% rise in face or necklifts on women to 4,238.
Association members reported a 37% rise in face or necklifts on women to 4,238.
It is crucial that people do their research carefully when choosing a provider Douglas McGeorgeBritish Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons
It is crucial that people do their research carefully when choosing a provider Douglas McGeorgeBritish Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons
The annual audit covers only members of the association, so the true number of procedures is likely to be higher.
The annual audit covers only members of the association, so the true number of procedures is likely to be higher.
The most popular operation for women remained breast enlargement surgery, with 6,847 cases.
The most popular operation for women remained breast enlargement surgery, with 6,847 cases.
This was followed by eyelid surgery (5,148 - up 13%), face or neck lifts, liposuction (3,990 - up 15%), and breast reduction (3,178).
This was followed by eyelid surgery (5,148 - up 13%), face or neck lifts, liposuction (3,990 - up 15%), and breast reduction (3,178).
The association says it is the rise of non-surgical versions, involving fillers and Botox, that is responsible for the increase in facelifts.
The association says it is the rise of non-surgical versions, involving fillers and Botox, that is responsible for the increase in facelifts.
Rajiv Grover, the association's secretary, said: "Ten years ago there may not have been much choice between a face cream and a facelift, but more recently non-surgical procedures have introduced a large number of patients to gradual facial rejuvenation."
Rajiv Grover, the association's secretary, said: "Ten years ago there may not have been much choice between a face cream and a facelift, but more recently non-surgical procedures have introduced a large number of patients to gradual facial rejuvenation."
Liposuction
Liposuction
The most popular operation among men was rhinoplasty, or nose job, with more than 700 men taking this option, a rise of more than a third.
The most popular operation among men was rhinoplasty, or nose job, with more than 700 men taking this option, a rise of more than a third.
Liposuction was the next most popular, with 582 procedures (up 18%), then eyelid surgery, ear correction and neck or facelifts (230 - up 21%).
Liposuction was the next most popular, with 582 procedures (up 18%), then eyelid surgery, ear correction and neck or facelifts (230 - up 21%).
There were 224 breast reductions on men, up 27% on the 177 in 2006, and 10 times the 22 operations carried out in 2002.
There were 224 breast reductions on men, up 27% on the 177 in 2006, and 10 times the 22 operations carried out in 2002.
The biggest rise was in "tummy tucks" as 98 men underwent the procedure, up from 61 in 2006 - a rise of 61%.
The biggest rise was in "tummy tucks" as 98 men underwent the procedure, up from 61 in 2006 - a rise of 61%.
Douglas McGeorge, the association's president, said that the continuing rise in operations reflected a "continued acceptance" of cosmetic surgery.
Douglas McGeorge, the association's president, said that the continuing rise in operations reflected a "continued acceptance" of cosmetic surgery.
"Wide media coverage has helped to educate the public about the latest advances and choices available, but it is crucial that people do their research carefully when choosing a provider."
"Wide media coverage has helped to educate the public about the latest advances and choices available, but it is crucial that people do their research carefully when choosing a provider."
Which? concerns
Which? concerns
An investigation by the consumer group Which? recently found cases in which would-be patients felt pressurised into going ahead with cosmetic procedures such as "non-surgical" facelifts, often after misleading marketing.
An investigation by the consumer group Which? recently found cases in which would-be patients felt pressurised into going ahead with cosmetic procedures such as "non-surgical" facelifts, often after misleading marketing.
Campaigner Jenny Driscoll said: "Our investigations have revealed a relaxed attitude to non-surgical treatments such as Botox and it is worrying to find that it is being prescribed by doctors without them having seen or even spoken to the patient.
Campaigner Jenny Driscoll said: "Our investigations have revealed a relaxed attitude to non-surgical treatments such as Botox and it is worrying to find that it is being prescribed by doctors without them having seen or even spoken to the patient.
"The Health and Social Care Bill is currently going through Parliament and Which? will be calling for the government to make sure that regulation of this industry is more robust."
"The Health and Social Care Bill is currently going through Parliament and Which? will be calling for the government to make sure that regulation of this industry is more robust."
Have you or someone you know had cosmetic surgery? Is cosmetic surgery becoming more common? Send us your comments on the form below:
Have you or someone you know had cosmetic surgery? Is cosmetic surgery becoming more common? Send us your comments on the form below:
I have had a mini tummy tuck after child birth, in the past I tucked in my ears,and I am sure in the future I will be having a breast lift and a face lift when necessary. I dont see why we don't look our best when after surgery we look much better. and Feel much better.susan, Beirut
I have several friends who have face-lifts every three years and are my age, nearing 70. They won't be able to do it much more because cheek bones and chins are already over-pronounced but in the meantime they look fine. I know I would look better if I had one, but I was great looking when I was young (!), have had a fulfilled life and am not ashamed of being my age. If we weren't ashamed of being babies once, why should we be in old age? I do have a husband (48 years married) and we both accept ourselves as we are.Janet di Nola, Hildenborough, Kent UK
