Women feel pressured into facelifts

One in six New Zealand women feel under pressure by media and peers to have surgery to improve their looks.

A study by skincare brand Olay Regenerist showed that increasing numbers of women were considering cosmetic procedures, driven by a desire to look youthful or impress a current or prospective partner.

Nearly two in five seriously considered cosmetic work, many influenced by idealised images of beauty in the media.

Cosmetic physician Garsing Wong said the procedure had become increasingly regarded as normal.

"Six years ago my patients considered it the realm of movie stars."

He said people feeling pressured to get surgery were poor candidates for a procedure.

"If they're doing something to please someone else, they won't be pleased themselves."

Cosmetic doctors were doctors first, and would always take a holistic approach to a patient who had image problems.

New Zealand women from all income brackets considered cosmetic work, unlike Australia where it was only higher income earners. New Zealanders also used twice as much Botox as Australians.

Under the knife

* 16 per cent of NZ women feel pressure to get a cosmetic procedure.

* 8 per cent have already had cosmetic work done.

* 38 per cent would consider having a cosmetic procedure.

* 43 per cent were concerned about the growing trend towards having cosmetic surgery, and society's acceptance of it.

(Source: Olay Regenerist survey)