Try our business solution for free!

Body modification in the United States - Statistics & Facts

Body modifications are very popular all over the world. They are done for many reasons, such as religious, cultural, or aesthetic reasons, as well as for self-expression or commemoration of a person or an event. There does not have to be a deep or particular reason behind every body modification. Tattoos, piercings, and plastic surgery are among the most common body modifications in the United States. Almost half of American adults have a tattoo, while some 20 percent have considered getting one. The most common price paid by Americans for one or more tattoos is about 100 U.S. dollars. Nonetheless, getting a tattoo can be much more expensive, reaching also 1,000 U.S. dollars.

Just let it go

Despite it often being said before someone gets a tattoo, most people do not regret getting tattooed. In fact, the permanence is often listed as part of the appeal. However, even if someone might regret it one day, it is not the end of the world, as there are various ways to remove a tattoo. According to a survey conducted in the United States, interviewees who thought about removing a tattoo decided to do so because the tattoo did not look as nice as it used to, or because they no longer liked the design.

The most accepted body modification

Piercing is another popular form of body modification, with pierced ears being the most common piercings. Over half of Americans have their earlobes pierced, and another third have at least one additional piercing. Three in four Americans would allow their children to pierce their ears before the age of 18, while seven percent would even allow them to get a tattoo at that age. Most pierced Americans do not regret having had a piercing, while 18 percent do and have taken it out. However, unlike a tattoo, there is only a small or no scar remaining afterwards.

Life in plastic

The body has an intrinsic aesthetic value, but many find flaws in their appearance that cosmetic surgery can alter. The United States has the highest number of plastic surgeons in the world and the highest number of cosmetic procedures performed globally. In 2019, over 13 percent of all plastic surgeons worldwide were found in the United States, while roughly 16 percent of all plastic procedures were made in the United States. These procedures are less popular than the more inexpensive options above.
This text provides general information. Statista assumes no liability for the information given being complete or correct. Due to varying update cycles, statistics can display more up-to-date data than referenced in the text.
Published by Statista Research Department, Nov 9, 2022

Key insights

Americans with several tattoos
29%
Age of Americans when they had their first tattoo
18 years and younger
Main reasons for getting a tattoo in the U.S.
To honor loved ones
Get more insights

Editor’s Picks Current statistics on this topic

Share of Americans with one or more tattoos as of 2021, by number of tattoos

Personality & Behavior

Americans with tattoos 2021, by number

Top 6 surgical cosmetic procedures in the United States in 2021

Health Professionals & Hospitals

Top surgical cosmetic procedures - United States 2021

Top 6 nonsurgical cosmetic procedures in the United States in 2021

Health Professionals & Hospitals

Top nonsurgical cosmetic procedures - United States 2021

Related topics

Recommended

4

Recommended statistics

Tattoos

8

Tattoos

Piercings

3

Piercings

Cosmetic surgery

9

Cosmetic surgery

Reports & StudiesGet the best reports to understand your industry

Contact

Get in touch with us. We are happy to help.
Statista Locations
Contact Vayola Jocelyn
Vayola Jocelyn
Client Support Specialist– Contact (United States)
Email
support@statista.com

Mon - Fri, 9am - 6pm (EST)

Contact Yolanda Mega
Yolanda Mega
Operations Manager– Contact (Asia)
Email
asia.support@statista.com

Mon - Fri, 9am - 5pm (SGT)

Contact Kisara Mizuno
Kisara Mizuno
Senior Business Development Manager– Contact (Asia)
Email
support.japan@statista.com

Mon - Fri, 10:00am - 6:00pm (JST)

Contact Lodovica Biagi
Lodovica Biagi
Director of Operations– Contact (Europe)
Email
eu.support@statista.com

Mon - Fri, 9:30am - 5pm (GMT)

Contact Carolina Dulin
Carolina Dulin
Associate Director - LAC– Contact (Latin America)
Email
support@statista.com

Mon - Fri, 9am - 6pm (EST)

Menu