The fastest-growing plastic surgery trend in America

Chin tucks grew 71% in popularity between 2010 and 2011 (pdf) according to today's report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). SmartPlanet found that the number of Facebook users also grew 71% between the end of 2009 and the beginning of 2011.

Coincidence? The ASPS thinks not. They cite patients' increasing concern with how their appearance in social media profile pictures, and other pictures now regularly posted to the internet, as a major contributor to the trend.

SmartPlanet talked today with ASPS surgeon Dr. Darrick Antell in New York City.

"I think that in this digital age that we live in people are more likely to see digital pictures of themselves," Antell explains, "and a double chin is more pronounced in a picture than in regular social interactions."

He's also had patients cite video chats as another reason they've become more self-conscious of their chins, as discussed in this video from the ASPS:

Antell suggests the poor economy may be another reason behind the increase in chin augmentation surgeries. Chin tucks can significantly alter a person's appearance he says, and, "they're on the low end in terms of cost and on the low end in terms of recovery."

Last year's rise in chin surgeries was followed up by a 49% rise in lip augmentations and a 47% increase in cheek implants.

Photo: April Sanders/Flickr

This post was originally published on Smartplanet.com