Cosmetic enhancement is very popular these days. From fake boobs to nose jobs, Americans spent $11.5 billion on 11 million cosmetic procedures in 2012. That makes this industry worth more than the NFL, which only made $9.5 billion in 2012.

Even kids are getting in on the action. In 2008, 160,283 U.S. children 18 and under had cosmetic “interventions.” The most common one was rhinoplasty, accounting for 50% of them. After that, ear pinning accounted for 11% and breast augmentation was 3%. In the past decade, the number of children getting cosmetic surgery has gone up 30%.

These surgeries are not without their risks. The trial of Tracy Lyn Garner (aka Morris Garner) is set for April 8. Garner is being implicated in the death of 37 year old Karima Gordon, who died from blood clots in her lungs a few days after being injected by Garner with a “silicone substance.” Imitation Botox has landed people in comas for several years and also caused death.

Before you go under the knife for those perfect curves, make sure you have a reputable surgeon. Otherwise you might (and this actually happened) end up with a butt full of “Fix-a-flat.” Consider this fair warning.

Additional Resources

American Society of Plastic Surgeons: http://www.plasticsurgery.org/

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Cosmetic Surgery: http://www.surgery.org/consumers/plastic-surgery-news-briefs/cosmetic-surgery–15-years-facts-figures-infographic-1036566