Utah has become a surprising hot spot for plastic surgery, with a high number of procedures performed in the state. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the Western region, which includes Utah, has the highest rate of plastic surgeries nationwide.
Why Utah?
Researchers and surgeons point to several factors contributing to Utah’s high rate of plastic surgery, including the state’s cultural influences and societal pressures. A study by Brigham Young University found that 14% of Latter-day Saints surveyed had major cosmetic surgery, and 20% had cosmetic enhancements.
Dr. Bhupendra Patel, a Salt Lake City facial surgeon, notes that Utah has a high number of plastic surgeons, with 110 in the state, and 80 of them are in Salt Lake County. This high concentration of surgeons may contribute to the state’s high rate of plastic surgery.
Trends in Plastic Surgery
Google search data indicates that interest in plastic surgery is growing in Utah, with the state ranking third in searches for ‘plastic surgery’ in 2025. The most popular procedures in Utah include ‘mommy makeovers,’ breast augmentations, and breast rejuvenation procedures.
Utah’s focus on families and its high birth rate may contribute to the popularity of ‘mommy makeovers,’ which include procedures such as tummy tucks and breast augmentations. Dr. Kevin Rose, a plastic surgeon with 25 years of experience, notes that many of his patients are mothers who want to regain their pre-baby bodies.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.