According to Felicity Quigley, editor of Looking Good BuyAssociation, more people are getting surgical work done. Although levels among both sexes are rising, she suggested that a surging number of men are having such operations. Pointing towards research carried out by the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) a total of 32,453 surgical procedures were conducted by its members over the course of 2007. Such a figure represents a 12.2 per cent increase from the 28,921 recorded in 2006.

Despite the vast majority (91 per cent) of procedures being carried out on women, the number of men opting to have surgery has risen by 17.5 per cent during the last 12 months. In 2007, an estimated 2,881 males went under the knife, showing growth from the 2,452 recorded in 2006.

Those looking for a competitive way to fund such operations might wish to consider applying for a low-rate loan.

Ms Quigley said: "It's been happening for a while. The rise of 'metrosexuality', I suppose, in the male population has been a catchphrase for a while. It certainly reflects that and I think cosmetic surgery is a natural progression on from that. Recently the BAAPS released some figures of year-on-year growth in the industry and although men are certainly not taking up the option of cosmetic surgery in anything like the numbers that women are, they're still growing."

She added that there is still something of a stigma attached to cosmetic surgery among Britons, particularly for males. "Certainly for men I think we've still got a little bit longer to go before people are going to be comparing their surgery scars," she pointed out.

Figures from BAAPS also revealed that over 200 facelifts were carried out on men last year, with 716 males having nose job operations - a rise of 36 per cent from 2006. Furthermore, ear correction, liposuction and eyelid surgery were also identified as popular surgical procedures for men. In addition, breast reduction operations among men are up by more than a quarter (27 per cent). The Looking Good editor claimed that this shows cosmetic surgery "is a growing trend and it's becoming more socially acceptable".

She added that given the high amounts of media coverage that plastic surgery is receiving such procedures are increasingly in the public consciousness. However, Ms Quigley advised those considering having any work done to take the time to do their research before going under the knife. Consumers were advised to ensure that they choose a qualified surgeon and that "appropriate" healthcare is available. She also pointed out that there are risks involved with having surgery and that people should be aware they need to take time to recover from having an operation.

Those who are confident plastic surgery is for them and are looking for a competitive way to fund a procedure may wish to consider getting a low-cost personal loan. However, ahead of getting a loan it may be advisable for prospective borrowers to ensure that they will be in a position to meet demands for repayment in the future. A study carried out by Lloyds TSB in 2007 indicated that two-thirds of Britons (66 per cent) have been given a final warning for a reimbursement to be made on household bills, personal loans and credit cards.