Cosmetic transformations from tummy tucks, to eyebrows lifts and liposuctions are beckoning the masses.

Since ABC's new series "Extreme Makeover" hit the air, more and more Utahns are jumping in on the cosmetic surgery craze sweeping the nation.

"We have definitely gotten a lot busier," said Cameron Fox, a skin technician at the Institute of Facial and Cosmetic Surgery in Salt Lake City. "And everyone is talking about the 'Extreme Makeover' show."

Now that cosmetic surgery has recently leaked into mainstream television, most say the rising rates will keep climbing.

"The demand for cosmetic plastic surgery remains strong, particularly the surgical procedures," stated the president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, James Wells, in a recent news release. "People are willing to make an investment in themselves to achieve the look they want."

In 2002, more than 6.6 million Americans eagerly placed themselves under a surgeon's knife in hopes of improving their physical appearance, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

The society also stated that the number of patients between the ages of 18 and 34 is steadily rising.

Increased pressure in the job market, as well as concern about appearance in social situations may be causing more young men and women to turn to plastic surgery, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

From Michael Jackson's synthetic nose to Pamela Anderson's ever changing cup size, the frenzy over cosmetic surgery has been around Hollywood for decades. However, these days, it really does not matter if one lives in Beverly Hills or Pleasant Grove-cosmetic surgeons are within grasp.

In the state of Utah, there are 48 board-certified plastic surgeons.

With such availability, no wonder everyday people now seek shortcuts in a race to keep up with the attractive and youthful looking celebrities in Hollywood.

With checkbook in hand, one can access numerous beauty enhancing procedures, altering their outer appearance in no time.

Although a little tuck here and snip there may take years off one's look, some critics believe that those seeking cosmetic surgery are bound for disappointment.

"Physical perfection and desirability are unreachable goals," wrote author Andrew Stephen, in an article. "The quest for them, in this current American craze, causes much pain, and often takes weeks of recuperation, hiding away until the bruising fades and the stitches are removed."

The rising trend of cosmetic surgery has cultivated both believers and skeptics alike in Utah Valley.

"In some cases I can see how plastic surgery would help boost someone's self-esteem," said Teddy Davies, 24, from Fredricksberg, Va. "So if someone is doing it for the right reason, I'm all for it."

Some doubt that enhancing one's image on the surface will lead to lasting satisfaction within.

"If a person thinks that by changing the size or shape of their body that their life is going to change drastically, they are quite likely to be disappointed," said Marleen Williams, an associate clinical professor of counseling psychology at BYU.

"If your are unhappy and you are struggling, and you tell yourself that the solution to my problem is to change my body and then everything will be fine, then you change your body, and everything is still not fine- it is easy to feel stuck," Williams said.

Bart Frandsen, 23, from Lake Forrest, Calif., said, "Instead of solving the problem, it is kinda like putting a patch on it for a little while. If someone is not satisfied with what they look like and they have issues, then when they change their look those issues will still be there."

Because of the increase in younger patients, some within the field of cosmetic surgery are taking precautions.

"You have to be very realistic with people at that age," said Julie Younger, a patient coordinator for a plastic surgeon in Orem. "And just make sure that they are realistic in their expectations with what we can do and then realistic in their expectations of what they have to do after they have a cosmetic surgery."

Some patients are not emotionally fit for cosmetic surgery and must be turned away, Younger said.

"In our office we do not do young girls who are not married as far as doing breast augmentation," Younger said. "When they are really young, and are not married, sometimes (undergoing surgery) changes their value system a little bit as far as what they would do in a given situation, you know, if they had implants and if they didn't-if you get my gist."

Parents are being encouraged to talk with their teens about the reality of undergoing cosmetic surgery.

Although no rules prohibit BYU students from undergoing cosmetic surgery, using good judgment is advised.

"I really like the idea of Joseph Smith's thoughts on giving people correct principles and they govern themselves," said Steven Baker, director of the Honor Code office.

Because not everything is spelled out, Baker said he hopes that students considering any activity center their decisions around the principles they have been taught.



Copyright Brigham Young University 16 Jun 2003