Body modification in the United States - Statistics & Facts

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.

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