Beauty By Numbers.

Beauty By Numbers

Plastic Surgery

Whether measured in millimeters, grams, or ccOs, even the tiniest numbers count in a plastic surgeonOs operating room. A look at the big picture figures behind AmericaOs desire to beat Mother Nature at her own game. NSARAH VAN BOVEN

8: Century b.c. in which Indian physician Sushruta is believed to have performed the first rhinoplasty. 1827: Year John Peter Mettauer, considered the father of American plastic surgery, performed the first cleft palate operation. 8.2 billion: Amount Americans spent on plastic surgery in 2005. 2.1 million: Total number of cosmetic operations performed that yearNa 119 percent increase over 1997. 34: Percentage of women in a 2004 survey who said that they would consider plastic surgery. 80: Percentage of women who said they would not be embarrassed if others knew theyOd had plastic surgery. 1: Rank of liposuction on the list of most-performed operations, followed by breast augmentation, eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, and tummy tuck. 2004: Year in which the television series Dr. 90210 premiered. 2002: Year Robert M. Rey Jr., a surgeon seen on Dr. 90210, performed a hair transplant on his own brother, who then suffered cardiac arrest and ...