Men seemed particularly keen on some aspects of the surgery, with a 44 per cent rise in the number having a breast reduction to correct their so-called "moobs".

• Breast augmentation: 8,449 - up 30% from last year
• Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery): 5,130 - down 10%
• Face/Neck Lift: 4,547 - up 1.7%
• Breast Reduction: 3,845 - up 13%
• Abdominoplasty: 3,638 - up 30%
• Liposuction: 3,249 - down 29%
• Rhinoplasty: 3,065 - up 1.5%
• Otoplasty (ear correction): 1,260 - up 23%
• Brow lifts: 1,004 - up 4%

The augmentation operation only takes between 30 and 40 minutes, so women undergoing it need only low levels of anaesthetic drugs, and is carried out using an extremely precise cutting device which reduces bleeding. John Tebbetts, a Texan plastic surgeon who is due to describe the operation at the annual meeting of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons says women should no longer assume they need a period of convalescence after having their breasts enlarged.

"After the surgery we tell the women to go home, have a little nap then get up after two hours, wash their hair which helps them stretch their muscles, then go out to dinner. "Between 80 and 85 per cent of our patients go out on the evening of their surgery." He added: "Women have got to get out of the mindset that they are going to be ill after this operation."

Women who undergo the new procedure, which is being marketed as the "out to dinner" breast augmentation, are promised no visible bruising or need for special bras. They are allowed to drive on the day of surgery and resume normal activities the following day.

• Make sure that your physician is board certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery. Many physicians practicing as plastic surgeons advertise that they are board certified, but they don't mention what their certification is in a different medical specialty, such as ear, nose and throat, oral surgery, etc.
• Get references from friends or acquaintances whom have had a similar procedure done by that plastic surgeon.
• The plastic surgeon should also be comfortable showing before and after photographs of his/her patients, as well as having former patients discuss their procedures with you. The surgeon should also be comfortable discussing how many of these procedures they have performed. Be very realistic about the procedure and results.
• The surgeon should have hospital privileges to do that procedure. Any surgeon can perform any surgery in his/her own facility. Only appropriately qualified surgeons can do the same procedure in a hospital or ambulatory surgery center. Make sure the surgical facility is appropriately accredited.
• Some health issues also need to be considered. Smoking is one of the two most detrimental external influences you can have on your aging process, skin, and the results of your surgery. You should completely quit at least two weeks before the surgery to allow your body and lungs to clear some of the damaging chemicals such as carbon monoxide. The other detrimental influence is excessive sun exposure.
• For the best results, you should be in reasonable shape regarding your weight and exercise regime. Your blood pressure and any diabetic risk factors should also be under control.
• The surgeon should also give literature about the procedure, as well as discuss possible risks and potential complications. No procedure is without risk and this should be clearly communicated in the consultation and preoperative discussions.
• The surgeon should be very realistic about the recovery process rather than give a best-case scenario. Too often a patient is told that the recovery will be short and easy when there may be bruising, swelling, and additional time needed.