RealSelf.com posted on their blog recently about the demand for different cosmetic procedures. What's interesting is the variance between regions of the country.
Here's their breakdown of their findings:
- Nose jobs top in Northeast: More people in the Northeast are on the quest for the perfect nose as we found 55% more searches for rhinoplasty than in other areas.
- Southerners more apt to put face under knife: We found people in the South are roughly 30% more likely to search for traditional facelifts and related procedures than in other areas.
- Less breast is more in the Pacific Northwest? Maybe it's all that rain and fresh mountain air, but people in the Pacific Northwest have a relatively high rate of searches around "the girls" compared to other regions. However, searches for "breast reduction" in this region outpace others by 67%. Interestingly, those in the West (California and Hawaii) are least prone to want to reduce cleavage.
- Body Slimming interest is higher in South: While there are many cosmetic procedures and treatments that can help people shed unwanted fat, those from the South appear to have a higher propensity for fat-fighting surgery as this region accounts for 20% more searches for liposuction, tummy tucks, SmartLipo, and Lipodissolve. Given that states in this region are called the fattest in the nation {citation in original article}, this doesn't come as a big surprise.
- Interest in wrinkle busters highest in the Mountain region: While it's hard to walk down the street in any urban area without seeing signs at MedSpas and doctor's offices for wrinkle combatants like Botox, Juvederm, Restylane, and Sculptra, interset seems to be picking up in the less populated areas of the U.S., particularly in the Mountain region where there are 20% more searches for these procedures than in other regions.
- Perusing pucker options highest in West: Residents in the West and Southwest are looking to perk up their pucker: both regions search for lip augmentation 40% more often than the rest of the U.S.
- Forget morning routine, more South-westerners considering permanent makeup: A much less common procedure, permanent makeup, is more significantly on the minds (and possibly faces) of those in the Southwest. Individuals in this area are more than two and a half times more likely to search for this procedure than any other region.
But what does this study show us? Can we learn anything from this, or is it just coincidence?
For one, it (unfortunately?) shows that many regional stereotypes are, indeed... correct. To quote the original article again, "...those from the South appear to have a higher propensity for fat-fighting surgery as this region accounts for 20% more searches for liposuction, tummy tucks, SmartLipo, and Lipodissolve. Given that states in this region are called the fattest in the nation {citation in original article}, this doesn't come as a big surprise." While this may seem slanderous, we all know the Southern States' affinity for rich, hearty, often-fried, comfort foods. But is that as deep as these findings run? That heavier people only wish to fix their heaviness? Perhaps it's all relative.
But take for instance, the Mountain region findings of the focus on "wrinkle busters"; this actually reflects exactly what is going on in our region. Due to our drier climate, cold winters and high altitude, our skin is put through so many harsh extremes even in just one year. These stresses add up to more fine lines and wrinkles for those of us who prefer Mountains and seasons to Beaches and humidity.
In Colorado, our inconsistent weather, proximity to the sun, harsh winds, and dry Summers really take a toll on our skin and its ability to rebuild collagen and elastin. According to the BBC News, "women who live at high altitudes are likely to age faster." They say that, "scientists drew their conclusions after finding lower concentrations of hormones, which are important or maintaining health and youthfulness, in women living in the mountainous areas of Peru." The hormones in question are specifically: DHEA, a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal gland that occurs naturally in the bloodstream and brain tissue of all healthy individuals. "They found DHEA levels in mountain-living women aged between 60 and 70 were only at about 40% of the levels found in the control group... Our findings show that changes in the levels of these hormones with age seem to be associated with both maturation and aging, and that where you live affects this. These hormonal changes might have a significant effect on the lives of women in high altitude areas such as the Andes, the Alps, the Rockies, and the Himalayas."
In Colorado, our inconsistent weather, proximity to the sun, harsh winds, and dry Summers really take a toll on our skin and its ability to rebuild collagen and elastin. According to the BBC News, "women who live at high altitudes are likely to age faster." They say that, "scientists drew their conclusions after finding lower concentrations of hormones, which are important or maintaining health and youthfulness, in women living in the mountainous areas of Peru." The hormones in question are specifically: DHEA, a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal gland that occurs naturally in the bloodstream and brain tissue of all healthy individuals. "They found DHEA levels in mountain-living women aged between 60 and 70 were only at about 40% of the levels found in the control group... Our findings show that changes in the levels of these hormones with age seem to be associated with both maturation and aging, and that where you live affects this. These hormonal changes might have a significant effect on the lives of women in high altitude areas such as the Andes, the Alps, the Rockies, and the Himalayas."
Obviously there is more to this than meets the eye.
Do you suffer from the early aging of our high altitude? Or do you identify more with another region's cosmetic needs?
Either way, we can help!
Call today to learn about reversing any and all signs of aging:
720.314.1965
