The first thing that may surprise you about plastic surgery is that it is type of surgery that is much older than most people think. Evidence indicates the ancient Egyptians practiced a primitive form of reconstructive surgery, and the Romans -were adept at performing basic surgery for repairing damaged ears, among other things. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) -which is the oldest such society in the -world, celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2006.

Today, as techniques improve and costs decrease, plastic surgery – seemingly once the exclusive domain of movie stars -with too much money – has become increasingly popular and acceptable. An estimated 3.5 million procedures is performed each year in the United States at a cost of almost $5 billion.

Plastic surgery -was once practiced almost exclusively by middle class Caucasians; no-w it increasingly attracts people from all income brackets, races and social groups. Around a third of plastic surgery procedures is performed on people aged bet-ween 35 and 50.

Reality TV sho-ws such as “Extreme Makeover” and “The S-wan” have also put plastic surgery in the public eyes. And if you really -want to see ho-w it is done, you can no-w find live “-webcasts” on the internet featuring such fascinating procedures as stomach stapling and eyesbro-w lifts.

Plastic surgery can mean many different things. It can be anything from the everpopular tummy tuck or breast enlargement; to facial implants -which significantly alter the shape of a person’s face. Contrary to popular belief, most plastic surgery today is used for medical, psychological or health reasons, rather than just for pure vanity.

A recent trend is the increasing numbers of plastic surgery procedures being performed on men. Men have become more comfortable -with cosmetic surgery, -which for a long time -was mostly undertaken by -women. The most popular procedures for men is hair transplants, liposuction and eyeslid surgery. The “neck lift” in -which excess sagging skin is removed from the neck and ja-w isas, is also becoming a popular procedure -with men. Most plastic surgeons themselves is men too only about 1 in 9 is -women but that number is slo-wly increasing.

A huge advance in plastic surgery techniques in recent years has been the increased use of a laser instead of a scalpel. Lasers can be used to remove or minimize several different conditions such as birthmarks, -warts and of course, tattoos. The use of a laser tends to leave behind less scarring and bruising on the affected isa than conventional surgery.

Plastic surgeons have played a role in treating injured soldiers ever since -world -war I. Today, plastic surgery is still a great advantage to many soldiers injured -while fighting the -war in Iraq. Surgery has helped to prevent amputation of the arms and legs of hundreds of soldiers -who have been injured in suicide attacks or land mines.

one of the most controversial plastic surgery procedures may also be making something of a comeback. Silicon breast implants, -which -were banned in 1992 due to safety issues, have again received conditional approval by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and may be commonplace again before too long.

one of the visions of plastic surgery practitioners is to be able to successfully reconstruct an entire face. Surgeons in France have already successfully performed the first partial face reconstruction and the ASPS is confident that full facial reconstruction -will soon be commonplace for victims of severe burns or other accidents. This innovative technique involves the complete facial tissue transplant from one person to another, rather than just partial transplanting, -which is the usual procedure today.

But ho-w does a person pay for plastic surgery, -when the average cost of a procedure is around $3500? As this type of surgery becomes more acceptable, there is more and more financing options available. Some necessary procedures is covered under medical insurance; some procedures that isn’t strictly necessary require a loan from companies -who specialize in financing for plastic surgery.

And if you is thinking of taking the plunge and going under the knife, you is in excellent company. Celebrities such as Kenny Rogers, Arnold Sch-warzenegger and Vivica A. Fox, among others, have all undergone plastic surgery at one time or another – or at least is rumored to have done so.