Women give first priority to liposuction, not diets or exercises

The desire of every fat person to release the thin one inside them is fuelling a boom in cosmetic surgery.

Photo: Women give first priority to liposuction, not diets or exercises

Women weary of pumping iron or eating hamster food are turning in growing numbers to liposuction, the short cut to a svelte figure in which fat is sucked from the abdomen, bottom, thighs, or under the chin.

Demand for liposuction rose by almost 90 per cent in 2006, according to figures released today by the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (Baaps). Almost 3,500 women and 500 men chose to have their excess fat hoovered up at a cost of £3,000 to £5,000 each.

The clash between the obesity epidemic and the 21st Century search for bodily perfection is behind the boom, surgeons say, reports Independent.

According to Life Style Extra, Consultant plastic surgeon Douglas McGeorge, president of the BAAPS which represents almost a third of all such doctors, said: "These figures reflect the growing acceptance of aesthetic surgery, particularly in the areas of body contouring and anti ageing.

"I attribute at least some of this trend to the continued media coverage which provides the public with an idea of what surgical procedures can achieve, as well as technological advances that improve safety and reduce costs.

"At the BAAPS we are committed to continue educating people considering plastic surgery by providing independent and serious advice that promotes sensible decision making."

The top procedure for women continues to be breast augmentation, with 6,156 carried out, followed by eyelid surgery, liposuction, face or neck lifts and breast reduction.

Nose jobs were the most common operation for men, with 525 carried out last year, followed by eyelid surgery, liposuction, ear correction and face or neck lifts, informs BBC News.