Mintel senior analyst Jenny Catlin said: "Acceptance of cosmetic surgery is growing within the British psyche, which is reflected in the increasing number of cosmetic surgery procedures being carried out in this country.

"Exposure to and desensitising of cosmetic surgery through television coverage and the popularity of procedures amongst celebrities has invariably played a key role."

However, the fastest-growing sector was breast augmentation. The number of breast enhancements in the UK grew by 150 per cent between 2003 and 2005, rising from 10,000 to 26,000.

"Facial surgery continues to attract the greatest spend, as the face is not only the key focal point of appearance and judgment, but is also typically the primary victim of the ageing process," added Catlin.

"Face-lifts in particular look set to offer a wealth of options, none of which are as drastic as traditional surgery, with these advances likely to persuade more women and men to have what will become a modest procedure in personal care."

But according to the report, 16 per cent would consider having some form of plastic surgery and only 28 per cent disagree with surgery in principle.

Meanwhile, the main reasons for having surgery are to prevent signs of ageing, closely followed by repairing damage or disfigurement after an accident.

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