American cosmetic Surgeons and other physicians performed more than 17 million cosmetic procedures last year, according to a survey conducted by the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery.

The survey, which was different than any previous study by the AACS, posted higher numbers  than ever seen before.  To gather data for the survey, the Academy polled its own members as well as random physicians across the United States.

The past two years have brought an 8 percent increase in cosmetic procedures for AACS members, despite the economic recession.

Procedures that increased markedly include eyelid surgery, abdominoplasty, rhinoplasty, chemical peels and wrinkle fillers.

“As the economy recovers slowly but surely, we are seeing patients come back and feel better about doing some things for themselves that maybe they’d been putting off for a while,” said Mark Berman MD, president of the AACS.