Cosmetic Surgery Has Become More Common According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, there was a 9 increase in the total number of cosmetic surgeries performed in the United States from 2009 to 2010, with similar increases every year since then. $10.7 billion was spent on cosmetic procedures in 2010. Much of this work wasn't covered by insurance in the US, meaning patients either took out loans or paid out of pocket.