Could the media circus surrounding Heidi Montag actually mean something?

Ever since the 24-year-old Hills star underwent 10 different plastic surgery procedures in one day — including a nauseating “back scoop” — a surge of criticism from friends, family members and journalists has dominated blogs and tabloids. According to The New York Times, a new study from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons suggests that Heidi’s situation might be paradigmatic of a broader trend: that cosmetic surgery is SO 2008.

Procedures such as nose jobs, eyelid surgeries, liposuction, tummy tucks and breast augmentations fell in number by nearly 9 percent in 2009, the society reported Tuesday, to 1,521,409 from 1,669,026 in 2008. Nose jobs and eyelid surgery fell 8 percent among the 715 doctors who answered the survey, while liposuction was down a whopping 19 percent. Tummy tucks and breast augmentations declined 5 percent and 6 percent, respectively.

Unfortunately, the trend may have less to do with Heidi’s plunging coolness factor and more to do with cash. A tummy tuck costs on average $4,936, excluding the thousands of dollars in anesthesia and operating-room fees. Suddenly that Marc Jacobs hobo doesn’t sound so pricey, right?

“Cosmetic surgery is a luxury item,” said Dr. Michael F. McGuire, the president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, who practices in Los Angeles. “People are thinking twice about spending money, even if they have it. I’ve noticed even very wealthy patients, they are deferring.”

Photo: ABC