There's a lot of hype surrounding the plastic surgery industry these days and sometimes it's impossible to tell who's having what, when they're having it, and more importantly, why they are having it. In Colorado, a state that thrives on its abundance of outdoor activities and its ode to all things 'natural,' are more people going under the knife than we think? According to a new survey conducted by Gregory Buford, MD, they are--and they're not ashamed to admit it.

Dr. Buford, a board certified plastic surgeon practicing in the Denver area, surveyed 100 patients to find out how, when and why they elected to undergo aesthetic treatments and procedures.

Among the most significant findings were that 46 percent of respondents had their first procedure surprisingly young - between the ages of 25-29. The most popular procedures elected by these respondents were breast augmentation at 38 percent and fillers and injectables such as Botox or Restylane at 22 percent. And these individuals were not after an unnatural, or even younger look. Nearly 34 percent admitted to wanting their bodies to simply look more proportionate. However, while most (80 percent) said that to themselves their look was "much better" post surgery, only 59 percent said that they looked better to others. This proves an important point - successful plastic surgery does not have to be dramatic (think Michael Jackson, Joan Rivers) and is oftentimes better when it is a minor change only noticeable to the patient.

More surprisingly however, is that cosmetic enhancement may be addictive - 100 percent of respondents had an additional procedure or treatment done after the first. Plastic surgery, it seems, is a repeat business in Colorado.

Is plastic surgery addictive?

The survey revealed that many patients who come in for seemingly simple, routine treatments like medical skin care or scar correction, end up going under the knife. Not surprisingly, then, is that more than 86 percent say they would have cosmetic surgery performed again and over 90 percent would recommend it to friends and family.

"I had chemical peels that lead to laser hair removal, then to collagen injection in my lips. I admit that I get more and more curious as I experience more procedures. Plus, my fear decreases and I become more comfortable with the idea," one respondent commented.

"I came in for treatment to my eye after a fall and decided to have a tummy tuck, liposuction, and eye lift," another said.

"As you learn what is available by visiting with the surgeon you get more interested," yet another respondent concurred.

Does it improve your sex life?

Most (58 percent) respondents feel more comfortable in the nude since having cosmetic surgery. In turn, it has improved their sex lives, with 46 percent saying that bedroom action is better to dramatically better. Another 40 percent admit to initiating sex more often and 38 percent find themselves less sexually inhibited.

Do you keep your procedure a secret?

Most respondents, 47 percent to be exact, are shouting their beauty secrets from the rooftops. In fact, only 6 percent keep it a secret while another 45 percent say the choice to divulge the details is purely circumstantial.

"I have great self-confidence so if I can help others, I have no problem owning my procedures," one respondent affirmed.

"In appropriate situations, I have no problem telling people about it. I am an overly honest person who is secure about what I did and why I did it. I am not ashamed of it in any capacity. I like talking to people who are considering it in order to make them feel more comfortable about the decision," agreed another.

Look Good, Feel Better

Not surprisingly, most patients said that electing cosmetic enhancement made them feel better about themselves, with 66 percent believing that it improved their self-esteem. Is it possible, then, that plastic surgery can create false expectations and be seen as a "quick fix" to mask other problems in a patient's life? According to Dr. Buford, it is.

"Many patients come to me wanting to fill some void in their loves. That's why it is important to do careful mental screenings before agreeing to perform a procedure. We ask our patients a series of questions and meet with them multiple times before we actually do surgery. Typically, we can detect this quite easily," he said.

Still, most patients, even those electing surgery for valid reasons, do report a significant increase in their self-esteem post recovery.