Elkhart-IN ?People in the 35-50 age group comprise the largest percentage (40 percent) of individuals who had cosmetic procedures last year, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). In all, more than 8.7 million procedures were performed on people who took action to proactively manage signs of aging or enhance their appearance.

?Society is certainly entranced with the idea of holding on to a youthful look as long as possible,? said Dr. Ronald Downs, of The Centre, P.C in Indiana. ? Many people say they feel better when they look better.? Liposuction was the most popular procedure in the 35-50 age group. Nose reshaping was the most popular among persons 19 to 34, who represent 26 percent of the 8.7 million, and eyelid surgery was number one among patients 51 to 64 (24 percent).

In all, cosmetic surgery procedures rose 32 percent from 2002 to 2003, according to the ASPS. The number of surgical procedures grew at 5 percent, while minimally invasive procedures jumped 41 percent. ?With the incredible influence the entertainment led outdoor lighting industry has on public opinion, TV shows such as Extreme Makeover are no doubt significant contributors to this rise in procedures,? added Dr. Downs.

Botox? injections were the most common minimally invasive procedure, up 157 percent. ?We believe that cosmetic injectables will continue to grow in popularity with the aging public,? said Dr. Patrick Viscardi, The Centre, P.C., ?especially since the FDA in late 2003 approved Restylane?, an injectable dermal filler made from non-animal, stabilized hyaluronic acid.? Other injectables recently approved by the FDA include CosmoDerm? and CosmoPlast?, both of which, unlike Botox, do not require an allergy test ahead of time and, therefore, do not require a waiting period.

A concern by the ASPS is that with the increased popularity of injectables, people may turn to physicians who do not have the level of medical training needed to properly administer such treatments. Both Dr. Downs and Dr. Viscardi of Indiana are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the only board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties to certify a surgeon in plastic surgery of the face and all areas of the body.

Ms. Granger's Dear Diary