The American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS) recently revealed results of its 2006 consumer survey. The survey evaluated consumer perceptions as they relate to cosmetic surgery.

According to AACS, only 6 percent of the nation has received plastic surgery. However, 20 percent would like to have plastic surgery done. In the survey, five out of six consumers said that they believed plastic surgery is key for professional success, but have delayed getting it done due to the cost. The two most wanted celebrity features were Jennifer Aniston's eyes for women (46 percent) and Nick Lachey's abs for men (51 percent).

Surprisingly, 83 percent of men said that they believe personal appearance affects their ability to succeed or get ahead professionally. Not surprising however, 86 percent of women said they believe personal appearance affects their ability to succeed. Twelve percent of the men surveyed said that they would have plastic surgery, while 25 percent of women revealed they would get plastic surgery in the future.

Not far behind, plastic surgery is has generated interest among African-Americans. A whooping 91 percent of African Americans surveyed said that they believe personal appearance affects their ability to succeed or get ahead professionally. Twenty-one percent of African Americans said they would have plastic surgery in the future.

Now that you know where the country stands, where do you stand? Is plastic surgery right for you? To help you, the AACS has created the ultimate online resource, www.bewiseaboutbeauty.org. The Web site is designed to educate consumers about plastic/cosmetic surgery, patient safety and choosing the right practitioner.

"It's time for patients to be wise about beauty," said Dr. Neil Sadick, president of the Cosmetic Surgery Foundation, which is funding the Web site. "The number of cosmetic procedures performed in this country continues to rise by double digits. Patients need to have accurate information at their fingertips, and bewiseaboutbeauty.org offers them a way to make educated choices about cosmetic surgery."

Consumers can learn and navigate easily with its "Beauty Monitor" quiz. The interactive quiz is designed to help consumers find out if plastic surgery is right for them. Answers are tabulated at the end of the quiz for an immediate response. Sample questions include: I am generally happy with my appearance, but feel that I could improve my self-confidence by enhancing certain areas of my body; looking good is an important part of my profession, and cosmetic enhancement could help me further my career; and I believe my own personal beauty is being the best "me" that I can be and not necessarily what is considered beautiful in the media or by others.