Nip/tuck nation: our love affair with cosmetic surgery

WOMEN are most likely to consider cosmetic surgery as they get older but one-in-five men aged 25-44 will also contemplate a nip/tuck.

The findings of an Irish Examiner/Red C opinion poll reveals that one-in-five adults will consider going under the knife to halt the ageing process, rising to one in four women.

Across all male age groups, one in 10 would not rule out cosmetic surgery some time in the future.

The age group most likely to consider going under the knife to improve appearance is all adults aged 25-34, with one in three contemplating the option. However, just 1% of the population admits to having had cosmetic surgery.

Other key findings of the poll include:

One-in-four professionals will consider cosmetic surgery in the future.

A quarter of those living in Dublin will contemplate going under the knife.

A quarter of those with dependent children will consider cosmetic surgery.

Two-thirds would use savings to finance surgery and one in five would take out a loan.

Facelifts attract the most interest (30%). After facelifts, tummy tucks are most popular, with one in five considering surgery, while 15% consider liposuction.

More than one in 10 are interested in breast augmentation. Eyebag removal is popular among older age groups.

Significantly, the poll also found that almost half (47%) of all adults agree that the health risks associated with cosmetic surgery are high.

The Irish Association of Plastic Surgeons (IAPS) warns against the use of private clinics for cosmetic surgery, which may not offer proper aftercare or counselling back-up for patients.

An IAPS spokesperson said part of the problem was people could “walk in off the street” and be treated, possibly by someone with no formal training in plastic surgery. There is no law to prevent such outlets operating.

The IAPS warns: “The proliferation of self-styled cosmetic surgeons without accreditation in plastic surgery or in one of the other major surgical specialities is not in the best interests of the patient.”

Patients could end up requiring corrective surgery or long-term treatment of complications, the spokesperson warned.

The poll, carried out this month, found that one in three people agreed if cosmetic surgery could be obtained more cheaply abroad, people should travel for it.

One in four said they would not tell others if they had cosmetic surgery.

A surprisingly high number of respondents (63%) disagreed with the statement that they would consider cosmetic surgery if it helped them to look good in an age when there is a lot of pressure to do so.

The IAPS said TV programmes such as The Swan had trivialised cosmetic surgery.

“A lot of people going forward for surgery haven’t really thought about it. It’s major surgery; people have died from complications,” the IAPS spokesperson said.