Americans turning to cosmetic surgery in record numbers

A growing number of Americans are becoming hooked on plastic surgery, with more than ever taking action to fight the signs of ageing, it has been reported.

According to the newly-published 2009 Statistical Abstract of the United States, the number of cosmetics procedures being carried out across the country increased from just 8.5 million in 2001 to 11.7 million in 2007.

Driving this boom in demand is the increased popularity of non-invasive techniques such as Botox, though surgeons are also witnessing a notable rise in requests for procedures like boob jobs, facelifts and tummy tucks.

In addition, the study also found that men are becoming increasingly attracted to the benefits of cosmetic surgery as they become more concerned about their appearance and follow the example set by movie and music stars.

However, at the other end of the spectrum, it has also been revealed that the proportion of Americans who are now technically obese stands at almost one in three, with this problem caused largely by widespread physical inexertion.