Keeping up appearances: More men opt for cosmetic surgery

In case you haven’t noticed, there’s been a shift in how men think about their appearance.  Gone are the days of ‘real men’ displaying zero ounce of vanity of their appearance. Today, it is no longer taboo for aging business men to construction workers wanting to fight back wrinkles or sagging bellies, to undergoing cosmetic procedures in order to look their best.

Plastic surgery among men has become so popular that procedures on men rose 29 percent between 2000 and 2017, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Last year alone around 1.3 million cosmetic procedures were performed on men.  Women still lead the way however in surgically improving their appearance. Women accounted for 92 percent of all plastic surgery procedures performed in 2017.

Plastic surgery procedures popular among men

More and more men want to change the things they don’t like when they look in a mirror. If they have a sagging belly, a tummy tuck may be in order.  Overly wrinkled skin? Numerous injections can smooth out that problem. Like women, men want to retain their youthful looks as long as they can.  As they become more comfortable with aesthetic surgery and as it becomes more accepted in society, the rise in plastic surgery among men will continue to increase.

What kinds of aesthetic procedures are men seeking out the most?  In 2016, here were the top surgical procedures for men:

·      Liposuction – 45,012

·      Male breast reduction – 31,368

·      Eyelid surgery – 28,025

·      Nose surgery – 26,205

·      Facelift – 13,702

·      Ear surgery – 10,457

Other types of cosmetic surgery men sought out included tummy tuck, neck lift, fat transfer to the face, brow lift, and chin augmentation.

Even though plastic surgery procedures have gained in popularity among men, they take a backseat to quick, less expensive fixes.  According to a recent report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, demand for such non-invasive procedures has increased as much as 400% among men since 2000. These non-invasive procedures include injectable soft tissue fillers that temporarily restore contours and volume to aging faces. Another in demand non-invasive procedure among not only women but also men is laser resurfacing, which reduces large pores and removes blemishes like age spots, scars, and sun damage. The results from these types of treatments can last from a few months to a few years.

Possible complications of plastic surgery

As with any surgical procedure, but especially elective surgery, all have risks as well as benefits. Going under anesthesia and sedation poses risks that include abnormal heart rhythm, heart attack, brain damage, nerve damage, stroke, blood clots, and blood loss and airway obstruction. Infection, skin death, asymmetry, numbness, irregularities, puckers, scarring, and fluid collection after liposuction can result from the surgery itself. Dangers also exist with unlicensed and untrained doctors offering anesthesia and surgery, poor regulation within the field, and the fact that unsanitary areas can sometimes be used during surgical procedures.

How men (and women) can get the best results from cosmetic surgery or procedure

Anytime anyone seeks out a cosmetic surgery or non-invasive procedure for aesthetic reasons, it is important to do your homework.   Your choice of a cosmetic surgeon will be a choice you will live with for years. A successful procedure will make you feel more like yourself and give you greater confidence for years to come. On the other hand, ending up in the hands of an inexperienced surgeon increases your chances of having poor results, which can lead to additional costs, time, and heartache.

Here are steps to follow to make sure you are choosing the right cosmetic surgeon for you:

·      Choose a doctor who is properly qualified, trained, and specialized.  Make sure the cosmetic surgeon is board certified and confirm their experience in the specific procedure you are wanting.

·      Choose a surgeon whose aesthetic sense appeals to you.

·      Pay attention to how the surgeon and staff make you feel.  Surgery is a big deal and you need to feel 100% comfortable with your cosmetic surgeon and their team.

·      Be realistic about the outcome of the surgery.

·      Make sure you understand the risks involved.

·      Stop smoking and drinking alcohol prior to surgery in order to maximize healing.

·      Get as fit and healthy as possible.

·      Seek advice if you are taking medication, are overweight, or have ongoing health problems or conditions.  It may be that you are not fit enough and the risks are too great for you to undergo this type of elective surgery.