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Study: Plus-size models creating high demand for butt lifts and boob implants

Butt lifts are the fastest-growing cosmetic treatment in the world.

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By Mark Waghorn via SWNS

Plus-size models are fuelling demand for butt lifts and boob implants, according to new research.

Stars like Ashley Graham and Tess Holliday are just as popular on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram as skinnier beauties such as Gigi Hadid and Cara Delevingne.

young woman flexing muscles with dumbbells in gym
In the US alone, 61,387 butt lifts were carried out last year. (Ground Picture via Shutterstock)

There is no significant difference between likes, comments and total posts - among both groups.

Corresponding author Professor Neelam Vashi, of Boston University, said: "Plastic surgeons may see an increased interest in procedures - including breast and buttock augmentation - that embrace a curvaceous plus-size body type."

Butt lifts are the fastest-growing cosmetic treatment in the world. In the US alone, 61,387 were carried out last year.

via GIPHY

They include both implants and fat grafting and are becoming increasingly common, despite costing around $10,000.

Prof Vashi said: "The fashion industry has also acknowledged the increasing popularity of plus-size models by representing curvaceous figures within their marketing campaigns - and even altering models' figures with padding."

An analysis of social media data found the average following among the top 10 plus-size models was 3.8 million - compared to 38 million for mainstream counterparts.

Prof Vashi said: "There was no significant difference between the average likes per post, average comments per post, and total posts between the top mainstream models and top plus-size models."

The latter has gained in popularity with the changing societal body image in the US - impacting inclusivity.

health, people, bodycare and beauty concept - close up of woman buttocks with cellulite and magnifier over blue background
(Ground Picture via Shutterstock)

As such, plastic surgeons will likely see an increased demand for procedures that enhance the plus-size body type.

Prof Vashi said: "The American standard of beauty appears to idolize extreme thinness as seen in Victoria's Secret models and their diminishing body sizes.

"We sought to explore the impact of plus-size models by reviewing their body size metrics and social media presence to better understand their emerging role in the current standards of beauty."

Waist-to-hip ratio remained low amongst plus-size and mainstream models - 0.74 and 0.69 respectively - illustrating a constant and objective standard of beauty.

The study included 159 plus-sized models. Average height was 5ft 9in, bust 40 in, waist 43 in, hips 46 in and dress size 14.

For comparison, the top 10 highest paid mainstream models were determined using Forbes.

Prof Vashi said: "Over time, the presence of plus-size models has increased within the fashion industry.

"Societal pressures on retailers to incorporate an increased body diversity that fully represents their consumer base of society with an average dress size of 14 to 16 and BMI of 26.5 is likely contributory to the increasing presence of plus-size models.

"This shift can be seen within the results of this study, as many of the top plus-size models had a significant social media presence."

The top paid model was Kendall Jenner with an Instagram following of over 154 million people - nearly half the population of the United States.

Prof Vashi said: "Importantly, the top 10 highest paid Forbes models do not include any plus-size models and can all be considered 'runway' sized between dress sizes 0-4.

"Of note, models in both categories may gain additional celebrity from tv shows, movies, etc., which further contribute to their followings."

But the mainstream model still prevails as the "social media powerhouse of influence," she said.

Currently, tension exists between groups desiring greater body inclusivity and the actual popularity of plus-size models.

Prof Vashi said: "As plus-size models grow in popularity, this tension is likely to decrease.

"Yet, even as the desire for plus-size models grows, the waist-to-hip ratio of models remains the same.

"Further research needs to be done regarding the public acceptance of body types without an ideal waist-to-hip ratio in the body inclusive model."

The findings are in the medical journal Cureus.

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