The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) released its 2018 report last March 2019, and the numbers are surprising. According to it, there were more than 1.8 million procedures performed in the United States, a 1% increase than the previous year.
Minimally invasive processes such as injections were even higher. There were at least 17 million procedures, which is 2% higher than in 2017. The popularity of these services, however, can vary according to state. The question is, where does Utah stand?
The Cosmetic Surgery Buzz in Utah
While no official statistic ranks states based on the number of cosmetic surgeries, Forbes crowned Utah’s capital as one of the vainest in 2007. Back then, more than 42 plastic surgeons worked. That’s about six for every 100,000 residents.
It also garnered the same place for KSL in 2017, which performed its analysis using the data from the American Board of Medical Specialties and the US Census Bureau. It immediately followed California and New York. Salt Lake City also placed sixth in Total Beauty’s US cities with the most plastic surgery. It ranked higher than Rochester, New York.
Meanwhile, a study by Susan R. Madsen of Utah Valley University revealed at least 60% of women know another woman who’s undergone a cosmetic procedure.
Which Is the Most Popular?
Based on the studies, Utahns, especially women, want to have bigger breasts. More than 107,000 procedures were performed in the Western Region, including the Beehive State. “Breast implants” is the most-searched cosmetic procedure in the state, according to Google. All these match the ASPS report, which listed breast augmentation as the most popular surgical procedure in the country.
Injections such as Botox in Salt Lake are becoming popular as well, ranking third. Of the many procedures, though, Botox is the most requested with more than 7.4 million procedures performed in 2018. It was a dramatic increase of 3% since 2017.
Nose reshaping or rhinoplasty is in second place in Utah, although it ranked low nationally. It declined by 45% from 2000 to 2018. Still, over 213,000 procedures were done in 2018.
Why Do Utahns Like Cosmetic Surgery?
The increase of cosmetic surgeons and surgeries in the state is not accidental. It seems there are many reasons why Utahns, especially women, want to go under the knife or needle.
For one, women might want to get their old look back before they become mothers and wives. One of the most popular packages is the mommy makeover, which can cost at least $6,000, and that’s only for the tummy tuck. The entire service also covers breast lift and liposuction.
Many women, it turns out, also receive support or encouragement from their loved ones, especially from their spouses. Some of the ladies may even accept such a package as gifts.
It’s also possible education levels have something to do with it. Madsen said the education of women in the state is still lower than the national average, and there seems to be a link between that and the tendency to undergo cosmetic surgery.
Whatever the reason, one thing is clear: Utah, despite being a deeply religious state, also likes to boost their looks.
