Thursday, July 24, 2014

Comic-Con: Cost to look like your favorite superhero

Avengers, X-Men, and Batman oh my! Comic-Con has taken over San Diego and while the masses are focused on the stars and upcoming blockbusters, the experts at RealSelf decided to explore how these larger-than-life superheroes have come to influence the ideal body image.

All we have to do is look at the transformation of Batman over the years to see that the superhero standards have rapidly changed. Pressure to conform to these standards has made its way far outside the limits of Hollywood, with cases of recreational steroid use rising across the globe. What's more, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the number of cosmetic procedures being performed on men has increased 273% in the last 16 years.

By now, we've all seen the superfans willing to go under the knife to look like Justin Bieber or Kim Kardashian. Ever curious what it would cost to get the biceps of Batman, the abs of Aquaman, or the calves of Captain America... without giving up all of your favorite foods? RealSelf teamed up with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rick Silverman to figure out an estimate of how much you'd have to pay to get the body of your favorite superhero. (Spoiler alert: It ain't gonna be cheap - and it doesn't even include things like wardrobe and fancy gadgets!)


Unfortunately for all of us mortals, we can't rely on plastic surgery alone to get the body of a superhero; there's no nip or tuck that will magically turn you into a superhero - and we don't suggest trying! However, if you are able to build that body through diet and exercise (with maybe a bit of surgery), then more (super)power to you! After all, the world could always use a couple extra superheroes.

For more info and full-size graphics, see our blog post, here:
http://www.realself.com/blog/cost-of-getting-a-superhero-body
 Infographics created by RealSelf with photos courtesy of DC Comicsand NickolayLamm.com

About RealSelf 
Since its founding in 2006, RealSelf has created the world's largest community for learning and sharing information about cosmetic surgery, dermatology, dentistry, and other elective treatments. Our extensive collections of reviews, photos, videos and doctor Q&A make RealSelf the most trusted resource for those who are looking for help beyond the beauty counter. www.realself.com