It’s not just for Hollywood stars anymore.

These days, over 70% of women and 40% of men surveyed are definitely or possibly interested in having cosmetic surgery, liposuction, or both.

The responses of over 52,000 people from 18 to 65 years old were studied by University of California, Los Angeles, researchers.

When asked, 21% of women and 11% of men described themselves as unattractive.

In fact, 31% of women and 16% of men felt so self-conscious about their appearance in a bathing suit that they avoided wearing one in public.

Interest in cosmetic surgery occurred across the full age spectrum.

But Here’s The Real Surprise

Even people without a poor body image want to have surgical enhancements.

The only exception was those interested in liposuction. They did admit to lower body satisfaction even when statistically controlling for their weight.

According to the American Association of Plastic Surgeons, almost 11 million cosmetic surgeries were performed in 2006. That’s almost 50% more than in 2000.

About 90% of the procedures were for women.

What Does This Obsession With Cosmetic Surgery Say About Us?

That most of us are shallow and vain? That we have so much money, we don’t know what to do with it? That we’re so lazy we’d rather go under the knife than diet and exercise?

Maybe.

Or maybe it’s about a baby boomer generation that won’t accept aging and loss of youthful beauty without a fight. And that attitude has now transcended the generations.

Or perhaps it’s about a time in history where there is so much emphasis in the media on physical perfection, where every line and blemish is magnified by high def, that we all judge and feel judged by physical attractiveness.

Whatever the reason, it looks like the exploding interest in cosmetic surgery is here to stay.

So what about you? Would you ever consider having plastic surgery?