Women have always been aware that appearance counts. Men are catching up with their female counterparts in their desire to look as good as they feel.
Men are spending more time in the workforce. That, combined with the American obsession youth, shorter downtimes, and greater accessibility to treatments have made men realize that aesthetic surgery can enhance their lives. In 2016, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported that men accounted for 8% of all cosmetic procedures. The data illustrates that men appear to be big fans of rejuvenating procedures.
The top procedures for men according to the American Board of Plastic Surgery are:
- Nose reshaping
- Eyelid surgery
- Gynecomastia
- Liposuction
- Facelift
- Botox®
- Hair removal
Focus on the Face
Rhinoplastyrepresents 25% of all surgical cosmetic procedures performed in 2016, with 55,000 men undergoing the knife to reshape their nose. A well-formed nose makes a face appear younger, creates symmetry, and can restore nasal function. An additional benefit is that when it’s performed by a board certified plastic surgeon, the recovery is smooth and relatively rapid.
Facelift/Neck: The dreaded turkey neck is an immediate age give away. Corporate selfies and business pictures are not always airbrushed to hide loosening skin under the chin. In 2016 12,000 men elected to undergo facial cosmetic surgery representing 9% of all facial cosmetic procedures. A facelift can help someone look as much as a decade younger.
Men need to be very selective about choosing their plastic surgeon as there are differences in performing a facelift on men and women. Men have shorter hair, (and sometimes no hair) so the surgeon must be very sensitive as to where to place the incisions. Men also have rougher skin with a larger blood supply.
Swelling and bruising will accompany a facelift, but the side effects will begin to decrease within a few days.
Liposuction: Nearly 25,000 men decided to undergo liposuction in 2016. Although it is a procedure most closely associated with trimming unwanted fat from the body, it can also be used to repair the chin and neck area.
Botox® ™, botulinum toxin A is a popular choice for men. This neurotoxin freezes the muscles around the eyes, forehead, and aging neckbands. Botox®™ can target the deep furrows between the eyes and iron out the wrinkles on the forehead. Nearly 450,000 men opted for Botox®™ in 2016. Botox® ™ is not limited to only the face and neck. It can be used to smooth wrinkles in the chest and even control sweating under the arms.
The truth is, youth is valued in today’s startup culture where it is synonymous with creativity, drive, and out-of-the-box thinking. It’s one of the reasons why men are buying into Botox®™ at younger ages.
Attention on the Body
Companies and corporations large and small are buying into wellness and preventative medicine. A lean or buff body represents strength, good health, and vitality. No wonder so many men are turning to liposuction to whisk away bulging thighs, flanks, belly fat and love handles.
It isn’t only office wellness programs; societal definitions of male attractiveness are always evolving. A toned, body is now considered the norm. The slimmer pant leg and close-fitting jacket seen in men’s fashion magazines are evidence of that.
Plastic surgeons recommend getting as close to your ideal weight as possible prior to undergoing liposuction. Liposuction is a great way to get rid of stubborn fat, but it is not a substitute for a healthy diet. Speak to your doctor about ways to maintain your weight.
Side effects from liposuction include some swelling and bruising, but due to the elasticity of their skin, most men return to work in just a few days.
Gynecomastia or male breast surgery has been among the top cosmetic surgeries for men for many years. Gynecomastia can help patients return to a more masculine silhouette. The first few days following surgery require rest, but men can slowly return to their normal activities excluding heavy lifting and exercise. Men can return to full activity after 6-8 weeks.
Mansplaining Manscaping
The dreaded unibrow can be gone forever. Hairy backs and chests can be free to be smooth with laser hair removal. No more embarrassment at the beach or gym. Laser hair removal is safe for all skin tones, with the correct machine. The results are immediate, but touch-ups are needed to maintain your results.
With today’s earning potential being so closely linked to an energetic appearance, cosmetic surgery is really no longer a luxury but a rather an intelligent choice. An intelligent choice also includes finding the right plastic surgeon with the right experience and credentials. Dr. Ali Sajjadian of Newport Beach, is an award winning, triple board-certified plastic surgeon. Call our office to make an appointment and discuss your options.