The American Society for plastic surgeons reports that almost 16 million plastic surgery procedures were performed in the United States in 2015. The most popular of which was breast augmentation, which isn’t surprising. However, what is surprising is the breakdown of the most popular plastic surgery procedures by region. There’s distinct differences in the four regions (southeast, mid-west, west, and northeast).

Here’s the breakdown:

It’s No Surprise What the Most Common Procedure in the Southeast Is

The southeast is famous for food. And, thus, obesity. We’re learning more and more about the tremendous number of health problems that can be attributed to obesity. Diabetes, hypertension, extreme fatigue, depression, etc. can all be controlled when obese persons lose weight.

Often times, it’s very hard for an obese person to perform physical exercise—they simply weigh too much to lift their own weight. Liposuction is a great procedure that can help them with this—get the ball rolling if you will. The results are proven ones. Patients lose more weight after liposuction and develop a healthy lifestyle that revolves around diet and exercise.

The West is Split

Breast implants are the most common procedure in two-thirds of the west.

The states are:

  • California
  • Washington
  • Idaho
  • Montana
  • Wyoming
  • Utah

The reason for this might have something to do with the emphasis that’s placed on appearance in these states.

Lip injections are the most common procedure in one-third of the west.

The states are:

  • Nevada
  • Arizona
  • New Mexico

Again, the emphasis placed on appearance plays a significant role in why lip implants are so popular in these states.

The Mid-West Provides Proof that Male Plastic Surgery is on the Up-and-Up

Penis enlargement is the number one plastic surgery in the majority of the mid-western states. This may come as a surprise to people who thought plastic surgery was only for women. Male plastic surgery is on the rise across the entire nation—especially in regards to facial plastic surgery. More and more men are getting:

  • Facelifts
  • Neck lifts
  • Brow lifts
  • Rhinoplasty
  • Neck liposuction
  • Chin augmentation
  • Male facial aesthetic surgery

It’s hypothesized that the amount of surgery performed on males could soon equal that that’s performed on women.

The Northeast is Also Split

Two drastically different procedures are most popular in the northeast.

Liposuction is most popular in New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware. Like the southeast, this might have something to do with the eating culture in these states.

Laser hair removal is the most popular in Virginia, Washington DC, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.

Breast implants are popular in Maine and Vermont.

What You Can Get from This Information

There’s is a strong cultural influence on health and beauty. This is why popular plastic surgeries are so region specific. If anything, this information can lead to further studies that will provide us with more insight in regards to the reasoning to undergo plastic surgery.


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Dr. Jeffrey Spiegel


Dr. Jeffrey Spiegel

With special expertise in all aspects of facial plastic surgery, and a particular skill for revision surgery, it’s clear why Dr. Spiegel is one of the most celebrated facial plastic surgeons in the world. If you are seeking the best possible results, or have a uniquely challenging problem, you’ve found the right doctor.

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Dr. Onir L. Spiegel


Dr. Onir L. Spiegel

Dr. Onir (pronounced “oh-near”) has years of experience in facial aesthetics and treats some of the most recognizable and famous faces. Dr. Onir started her career in oral health, earning doctorate degrees from both New York University and Boston University. She has been the recipient of numerous awards for her cutting-edge medical research as well as her technical skills in dentistry.

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Dr. Jacob Tower


Dr. Jacob Tower

A board-certified specialist in facial plastic surgery, Dr. Jacob Tower brings a thoughtful approach and an artistic eye to New England’s premier plastic surgery practice, The Spiegel Center in Newton, Massachusetts. In addition to being an in-demand surgeon, Dr. Tower is an assistant professor at the Boston University School of Medicine, a sought-after lecturer, and an expert in facial plastic surgery.

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