New York, NY (March 19, 2001)—A new survey shows that Americans’ approval of cosmetic surgery is higher than ever before. In a survey of 1000 American households commissioned by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) and conducted by the independent research firm Market Facts, 61% of women (up 7% from last year) and 63% of men (up 19%) said they approve of cosmetic surgery. The highest approval rating (68%) was among 18-to-24 year olds, but baby boomers were not far behind with 63% saying they approve of cosmetic surgery.
When asked whether they would consider cosmetic surgery for themselves, either now or in the future, 31% of women and 20% of men said "yes." People with higher incomes were most likely to consider cosmetic surgery: 35% of those with household incomes of at least $75,000 a year, compared to 22% with incomes under $25,000, would consider cosmetic surgery. Twenty-seven percent (27%) of married people, compared to 23% of those without spouses, said they would consider surgery.
The greater public acceptance of cosmetic surgery means that people are more open about making changes in their appearance. Among both women and men, 77% said they would not be embarrassed if people outside their immediate family and close friends knew they had undergone a cosmetic surgical procedure