Another expert, Joan Chrisler, a professor of psychology at Connecticut College in New London, sees another force behind the growing acceptance of cosmetic surgery: television. Specifically, she pointed to shows like Extreme Makeover that feature transformations in which patients are surgically altered from head to toe in a matter of weeks, then "presented" to their family and friends at a kind of coming-out party.

The afternoon talk shows often feature the topic, as well, Chrisler said. "The shows have been damaging in terms of suggesting anyone can have plastic surgery," she said. And, she added, they often give the impression that it is "worth it to go into debt to look more attractive."

Getting cosmetic surgery these days, Chrisler said, is "sort of like buying a new outfit used to be."