If the increasing numbers of both surgical and non-surgical cosmetic plastic surgeries are any indication, the U.S. may be becoming a bit vain.
According to the 2010 statistics from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, more than 9.3 million individuals underwent cosmetic procedures last year, a number that has more than doubled since 1997.
A recent report from KSL News used data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the American Board of Medical Specialites to calculate which state may be considered the vainest because of a high number of plastic surgeons.
The news source reports that the District of Columbia has one plastic surgeon for every 27,351 residents, making it the "vainest."
Other states with large numbers of plastic surgeons compared to their population include Maryland, Florida, New York, California, New Jersey, Utah, Hawaii and Delaware.
While doctors admit that patients need to be present to sustain their practices, others say that states with renowned plastic surgery training programs, such as Utah, may cause many of the doctors who study there to stay after graduation.
"The tendency is for people to stay where they've done their training," a Salt Lake City, Utah, plastic surgeon told the news provider. "It's comfortable to stay in the area. [Utah has a] low cost of living and great weather, [and is] a great place to raise your family."
Among the most common plastic surgeries in 2010 were breast augmentation surgery, liposuction, cosmetic eyelid surgery, tummy tucks and breast reduction surgery. The most common non-surgical procedures included botulinium toxin type A injections (such as Botox and Dysport), hyaluronic acid injections (such as Juvederm and Restylane), laser hair removal, laser skin resurfacing and chemical peels.
No matter where individuals decide to undergo plastic surgeries, it is advised that they choose a licensed, board-certified plastic surgeon to perform these procedures.
For more, visit surgery.org