2013: The year of the butt?

By Dr. Anthony Youn, CNN contributor

updated 7:29 AM EST, Thu February 27, 2014

Kim Kardashian's booty may inspire patients to seek buttock enhancement surgery.

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Editor's note: Dr. Anthony Youn is a plastic surgeon in metro Detroit. He is the author of "In Stitches," a humorous memoir about growing up Asian-American and becoming a doctor.

(CNN) -- Last year was the Year of the Butt.

According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, there was a 58% increase in buttock enhancement surgery in 2013 compared to the year before. This operation had the largest gains of all cosmetic procedures for the year.

So why are so many Americans undergoing surgery to enhance their derrieres?

I believe the answer lies with the media, both broadcast and social. Plastic surgeons are seeing more and more women who want the backsides of various stars. While I don't hear Jennifer Lopez's name much anymore, other stars with ample behinds have taken her place.

Ratings for her reality show may be declining, but Kim Kardashian is still the poster child for a large and shapely backside. In fact, a recent butt selfie (also known as a "belfie") on Instagram went viral with over 1 million admirers "liking" it. Beyonce's skimpy outfit at the Grammy Awards this year displayed her well-rounded tush for all to see and admire. And Internet sensation Jen Selter's nearly impossibly round and smooth bottom is quickly becoming the most requested rear end of all. In fact, one of my patients even dubbed it the "Eighth Wonder Of The World."

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2013: The year of the butt?