Plastic surgery becomes cheaper, not just for wealthy now

A new poll from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons finds the average patient is becoming, well, more average.

Patients undergoing cosmetic surgery increasingly come from all income levels and age ranges, concluded Dr. Walter Erhardt, chairman of the American Society of Plastic Surgery's Public Education Committee.

"Financing has made surgeries more affordable," Erhardt said. "And I think people are making some decisions." For instance, they might keep a car a few more years to work the cost of plastic surgery into their budgets, he said.

The survey polled 644 people, all considering plastic surgery within the next two years. It found that nearly 30 percent reported household incomes of less than $30,000, while another 41 percent had incomes ranging between $31,000 and $60,000. Sixteen percent reported annual household incomes of $61,000 to $90,000. Just 13 percent had average household incomes of more than $90,000 a year.

The survey was conducted over the Internet, with surveyors focusing on those who said they planned to undergo surgery within the next two years, reports Forbes.

In addition to the general poll, 60 in-depth interviews were conducted with people actively considering plastic surgery. These people had sought information from the ASPS Physician Referral Service in the past 18 months.

According to Newswire more than 40 percent of these potential patients had been considering plastic surgery for quite some time, often more than a year.

Most of those interviewed felt they could achieve emotional, psychological and social improvements by having plastic surgery.

When asked why they wanted to have plastic surgery, 75 percent of those interviewed said to gain physical benefits such as improved appearance, becoming more active and being healthier. Approximately 70 percent reported emotional and psychological benefits such as increased happiness, self-esteem and self-confidence. In addition, 45 percent - more notably men than women - expected social benefits from plastic surgery, including being more accepted and more attractive to others.