Lemondrop

Women have always felt pressure to measure up to beauty standards, but these days it's stronger than ever. Want proof?

According to the most recent numbers from 2008 from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), almost 12 million cosmetic plastic surgery procedures were performed in 2007, up 7 percent over 2006 and 59 from 2000.The number-one surgical procedure of 2007 was breast augmentation.

While the recession may lower the rate of boob inflation, there's still an uptick among young people. Last year, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) reported an almost 500 percent increase in cosmetic surgeries in a ten-year period for girls 18 and younger.

An episode of MTV's "True Life" featured a Hooters waitress undergoing surgery to make more tips. As the credits ran, we stared at the TV wondering, Is this for real? A major medical operation -- that can have plenty of side effects beyond a botched job -- all to garner a few extra bucks in tips?!

Click here to read why one 20-year-old got the surgery.

With shameful messages like this, it's no surprise that since 1997, cosmetic surgical procedures have increased 142 percent, according to the ASAPS. It's so common that people seem to treat the operations as if they're as simple as popping on a push-up bra.

According to a 2009 survey by the ASPS, 80 percent of women believe that cosmetic surgery can boost a person's confidence.

Laura's Story
Twenty-year-old Laura introduced me to the real face behind these statistics. Laura had been considering breast implants since she was 13. With a less-than-A bust size, she began to consider it more seriously as she got older.

She finally got the surgery at 19, going to a 34C. Through Internet research and recommendations, Laura found a doctor located in a large city, which she felt provided some privacy. "After meeting him and his staff, I knew the fit was right," she said.

The cost of the surgery for saline implants was $6,000, which her parents paid for. "I am very fortunate they were so supportive, emotionally and financially, through the entire process," she said.

Wrestling with Doubt
Initially Laura struggled with the fear of no longer being taken seriously. "I felt that I was almost turning my back on ideals and morals that I had," she said. "When you go into something that's this cosmetic and self-absorbed and become a part of the whole mass industry that promotes an ideal beauty, I wondered if I could still be the same girl."

Still, she's happy with the results. "Being able to put on a pretty bra or putting on a dress and feeling like I can fill it out is great and nothing to be ashamed of."

The Aftereffects
She still lived in the same town where she went to high school, so friends and family all noticed her post-surgery change. While she says some people were slightly uncomfortable seeing her post-surgery, she decided to simply talk about it. She said that's taken the awkwardness out of much of it for her -- and the people around her.

Laura has noticed a slight difference in attention from guys. While there are still the typical creepers looking to just cop a fake-boob feel, she hasn't let it change her standards. "Just because I had breast implants doesn't make me an object. I may have not been born with them, but they're still mine and somebody better ask before they touch."

Though happy with the outcome of the surgery, Laura admits that she still struggles with the choice she has made. "In a way, I fell victim to social pressures to look a certain way. That's a tough pill to swallow," she confesses.

Laura's advice to those considering implants: Don't rush into it. Turn off the TV, don't buy US Weekly for a while, and see how you feel trying other things to make you feel good about your body.