Between Joan Rivers, Bruce Jenner, the Playboy Mansion, and Jennifer Aniston, the United States certainly embraces  plastic surgery. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons claims that 14.6 million cosmetic plastic surgery procedures were performed in the U.S. in 2012, up five percent from the previous year.  Some might say our society is vain, but recent studies show that  Italy, Greece and South Korea are the biggest fans of cosmetic procedures.

In 2011, the United States ranked as one of the countries with the highest percentage of aesthetic procedures  per 1,000 people , following Brazil and Colombia.

It is safe to say that  improved technology and minimally invasive techniques made a difference in the procedures available.  Cosmetic surgery is now more accessible to a broader populace.  Those who are driven to improve themselves, remain competitive in the marketplace, and look as young as they feel not only have access to information, but alternatives to effective and less expensive procedures!