ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – Many parents worry about the potential influence
the media may have on their children's self-esteem and body image. Stories
about young women having excessive plastic surgery are enough to keep
any parent up at night. However, according to a study published in the
March issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery® (PRS), the official
medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS),
only 5 percent of college-age women have actually had cosmetic surgery.
Despite the low percentage of young women who had cosmetic procedures,
many of the students had a favorable attitude toward cosmetic surgery.
"There's a common belief among the public that a large percentage of
young adults and teens are having cosmetic surgery," said ASPS President
Scott Spear, MD, Chief of Plastic Surgery, Georgetown University, Washington,
D.C. "This study shows that, while many college-age women see cosmetic
surgery as an acceptable thing to do, many have not had a procedure."
The study surveyed 559 college-age women – ages 17 to 24, at six universities.
Among the 5 percent of females studied who had cosmetic surgery, chemical
peel was the most common procedure, followed by breast augmentation,
nose reshaping and breast reduction. "The study found the more a young
woman cares about her physical appearance, the more likely she will
view cosmetic surgery positively," said David Sarwer, Ph.D., Associate
Professor of Psychology at the Center for Human Appearance, University
of Pennsylvania, and lead author of study. More than 60 percent of the
study participants said they could envision having at least one procedure
in their lifetime. More than two thirds of the women reported knowing
someone who had cosmetic surgery and approximately one third indicated
that a family member had undergone surgery. Despite concerns about young
people's motivations for having cosmetic surgery, the study revealed
that only 2.5 percent of those studied screened positive for body dysmorphic
disorder (BBD), or a preoccupation with a slight or imagined defect
in appearance. This rate is consistent with the predicted rate of the
disorder among the general population. ### For referrals to plastic
surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and to learn
more about cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery, call the ASPS
at 888-4-PLASTIC (888-475-2784) or visit http://www.plasticsurgery.org.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons is the largest organization
of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world. With nearly 5,000
members, the society is recognized as a leading authority and information
source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. ASPS comprises
94 percent of all board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States.
Founded in 1931, the society represents physicians certified by The
American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians
and Surgeons of Canada. Adapted from materials provided by American
Society Of Plastic Surgeons.