While much attention is given to the Baby Boom Generation - the 78 million people born between the years of 1946 and 1964 - with respect to cosmetic surgeries, the next generation may actually help fuel the anti-aging industry in the years ahead.
According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), Baby Boomers between the ages of 51 and 64 accounted for 28 percent of the total cosmetic plastic surgeries and procedures in 2010. Generation X'ers, who range in age from 31 to 45, were among the more than 4 million individuals in the age group who underwent the majority (43 percent) of procedures last year, despite the fact that there are far fewer of them out there.
Many in the so-called Generation X - who were born between 1965 and 1979 - are now in their 40's. According to the Los Angeles Times, many in this age group aspire to look like celebrities including Jennifer Lopez, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Aniston, Victoria Beckham and Catherine Zeta-Jones - all of whom are also members of Generation X.
As a whole, Generation X'ers are more willing to spend money on their appearance. The Los Angeles Times reports that one study found that they rely on preventive anti-aging beauty regimens to a greater extent than boomers do. In addition, the newspaper reports that "a report from the Symphony IRI National Consumer Panel says that Gen X spent $5.3 billion on beauty products in the 12-month period that ended June 26, which represented 28 percent of all beauty spending."
Another survey conducted by Allure magazine found that 93 percent of women and 84 percent of men say the pressure to look young today is greater than it's ever been.
This pressure - whether it's real or perceived - along with the focus many Generation X'ers have on health and beauty may mean an increase in both surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures in the coming years.
As this generation ages, they may be more apt to seek out treatments, procedures and surgeries that help them appear younger, such as Botox injections, eyelid surgeries, liposuction and chemical peels.
After all, a recent ASAPS survey revealed that 53 percent of women and 49 percent of men say they approve ofcosmetic surgery. The poll also found that 67 percent of Americans said they would not be embarrassed if their friends or family knew they had cosmetic surgery.