Cosmetic surgery has become a normal part of life for women, a recent survey by BUPA suggests. A large percentage of women believe cosmetic surgery is an acceptable part of life.

It has also become acceptable to discuss cosmetic surgery openly with much of the stigma attached to cosmetic surgery now disappearing.

Figures reveal:

• 23 percent said a tummy tuck would be the most likely procedure
• breast augmentation 15 percent
• liposuction 15 percent.

More women indicated they would probably select to recieve some form of cosmetic surgery before a 30th or 40th birthday before a wedding, and that more divorced women than single women tend to have had or would like surgery.

One worrying statistic to emerge from the research is that 12 per cent of those who would consider surgery said they would go to the cheapest clinic.

Neil Mclean suggests that opting for the cheapest option could prove both dangerous and more costly. Do your research, speak with the surgeons at length and check their qualifications.