It all started with the metro-sexual movement that made it acceptable for even the manliest of men to tend to their appearance through products like moisturizers, hair gels and other grooming products that have been the realm of women for centuries. And, now men are following women right into the offices of plastic surgeons in record numbers.
The desire to look youthful and vibrant as long as possible has contributed to the growing acceptance of cosmetic surgery. It is no longer necessary to wait until the signs of aging have etched lines and wrinkles into the face. Young people are taking preventative measures and beginning non-surgical treatments at the first hint of a wrinkle.
Men are right in step with this trend. A youthful appearance is increasingly important in businesses where CEOs are 20 something. The digital world has spawned these baby-faced leaders who may not feel as comfortable hiring someone who looks like their father or grandfather. So even men are getting procedures to keep them looking fresh faced and vital.
The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) conducted a 2010 study looking at trends among Americans. It found that men had 750,000 procedures, which is an 88% increase from 1997. The following is a list of the ASAPS findings of the five most common surgical procedures men are
- Blepharoplasty: Eyelid Rejuvenation
Just as women often show signs of aging around the eyes, so too do men. Loose hanging furrowed skin, lateral brows that hang over the upper eyelids, and bulging fat pads below the eyelids with accentuated tear troughs put forth the image of fatigue and loss of vitality. This often results in friends and colleagues asking if you are tired or if you are getting enough sleep. Fortunately, surgery to restore the upper eyelids to a crisp appearance with correction of any eyelid droop can be a game changer. The lower eyelids are rejuvenated by removing excess fat and repositioning the tissue to eliminate the tear trough. Combined with skin and muscle tightening, this procedure provides a fresh and vibrant appearance. This can be important not only in social situations, but also in how a person is viewed in the workplace.
#2 Rhinoplasty (nose job) – The word rhinoplasty sums up the many techniques that are used to treat nasal complaints that men present with. “I don’t like the hump” or “It’s crooked” are some of the most common. These areas are addressed which can have a dramatic effect on the man’s overall appearance.
#3 Gynecomastia (male breast reduction) – Male breast development is more common than most people think, with over 18,000 men undergoing surgical correction in the US in 2010. Procedures range from liposuctioning the area alone to also removed skin and tissue. These surgeries are targeted through the most inconspicuous scars possible to encourage patient comfort when shirtless.
#5 Otoplasty (ear pinning) – Last but not least is surgical ear pinning with almost 11,000 procedures performed on men in 2010. This procedure falls farther down the female list of most common procedures at number 12. This is presumably because women may have the ability to cover their ears with longer hairstyles than men.
Additional procedures include removing love handles around the back and sculpting the abdominal area by removing fat deposits. No matter what kind of procedure you are interested in exploring, be certain to seek out the services of a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Schedule a consultation and only work with a surgeon with whom you feel comfortable.
