In a recent episode of the reality TV show “Real Housewives of Orange County,” cast member Alexis Bellino wondered, “Who doesn’t want Botox? Hello?” It turns out that hers is a view more and more Americans agree with, as a recent survey found that over half of Americans (51 percent) approve of cosmetic surgery.
The survey, commissioned by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), found the approval rating increased by 3 percent from 2009 and that more than half of Americans approved, regardless of income:
- 52% of respondents with an income of under $25K approve of cosmetic plastic surgery
- 48% of respondents with an income between $25K-$50K approve
- 45% of respondents with an income between $50K-$75K approve
- 56% of respondents with an income above $75K approve
“As the numbers suggest, people in every income bracket, single or married, male or female, view plastic surgery as a reasonable option today,” said Dr. Felmont F. Eaves III, president of ASAPS. “Taking care of yourself and paying attention to physical appearance is increasingly important to everyone. As both traditional surgical procedures have been improved and refined, and new nonsurgical options have become available, aesthetic plastic surgeons have more to offer to our patients.”
And while it’s common for celebrities to deny undergoing cosmetic procedures, the survey found 67 percent of respondents said they would not be embarrassed if their friends and family knew they had cosmetic surgery.
In an unscientific survey, the Orange County Register found similar results when it asked readers if they agreed with Bellino’s statement about Botox with about half agreeing with her, responding that Botox is a good thing. More than half agreed with another statement by Bellino: “The O.C. has put a few requirements on women that live here – big boobs, blond hair and Botox.”
