Trophy HUSBAND: The high-flying women paying for their partners to get surgery

The phrase ‘trophy wife’ has long been used as a way of describing an attractive woman who is married to a successful man. 

But as more women climb the career ladder, it seems that the tables may be beginning to turn as they look for a partner who can not only impress them with their success - but with their looks too.

Using data collected from a high end dating agency and a cosmetic surgery clinic, researchers found a growing number of women are searching for a partner who not only comes with the promise of professional and financial success, but one who will also look the part when accompanying them to functions and social occasions.

Founder of upmarket dating agency Berkeley International, Mairead Molloy, said: 'Now appearance, or finding a person who takes care and pride in the way they look, is at the top of the wish list for women. 

'We have, over time, certainly noticed a big increase in the number of women who list appearance as a top priority for them.'

And it seems women are now not only prepared to invest in finding a man who looks the part from the start, but they are also prepared to spend their hard-earned cash on their man’s looks once they’ve embarked upon a relationship.

According to one London cosmetic surgery practice, more and more women are footing the bill for their men to undergo a range of cosmetic and anti-ageing procedures.

The Private Clinic on Harley Street claims a greater number of women than ever before are paying for their partners to have procedures, particularly hair transplants and body sculpting techniques, in an effort to keep their men looking beautiful. 

'The majority of the male patients I treat for hair loss explain that it is actually the opinions of their partner that they are most concerned with.

'And while most tell me that their wives or girlfriends are happy to support their decision, some go a step further and tell me that it is their partners who are actually paying for their procedure to rectify a receding hair line or balding patch.'

Dr Reddy added: 'For a long time, cosmetic surgery was associated with women who opted to undergo specific procedures to keep themselves looking healthy and younger in the eyes of men.

'But attitudes are changing and now it is just as important for men to look their best. They realise that having the latest treatments will not only help them to look and feel more confident, but it is also likely to make them far more attractive to the opposite sex.'

Even if women are not footing the bill, it seems they are heavily influencing their partners when it comes to surgery.

The women are taking charge. Sadly, life has become too artificial.