Most procedures of aesthetic surgery are very appropriate to make a nice surprise for somebody

Dr Damian Urban

It's not cheap - an average procedure costs up to $3,000.

The surgeons say demand increases significantly in the weeks running up to Christmas.

Some even offer gift vouchers for a whole range of operations.

Male domain

But is a face-lift always a welcome Christmas gift?

There may be surprises under the tree for Austrians this year

"Most procedures of aesthestic surgery are very appropriate to make a nice surprise for somebody," says plastic surgeon Dr Damian Urban.

"Mostly men come to me and ask how they can surprise their girlfriends or wives. Mostly I didn't have a negative reaction - they are satisfied. "

While some women may secretly want to see their partners undergo liposuction, Dr Urban says buying the vouchers is mainly a male affair.

But for all those men out there dreaming of enormous new bosoms for their partners, there's a catch.

Huge breasts - say the surgeons - are definitely out of fashion.