According to statistics from the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, cosmetic surgery in men is increasing every year. Most plastic surgery on men is for those who want to improve their confidence. Some want to feel more competitive in the marketplace. All want to feel better. Cosmetic surgery and related procedures in the United States increased 32% last year. Some of the most common procedures for cosmetic surgery in men include (most common are underlined): liposuction, abdominal etching, rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty (eyelids), facelift, chin implants, gynecomastia reduction, breast reduction after weight loss, laser hair removal, Botox® injections, Radiesse® injections, Juvéderm® injections and chemical peels.
Gynecomastia is the presence of excessive breast tissue in men or “women-like breasts.” Some men have this to a minor degree while other men have a more severe problem. Often, men feel like they need to wear three or four shirts so that the breast tissue can be hidden. It often causes a limitation in activities and avoidance of some situations such as swimming. Plastic surgery in men can usually improve this condition with ultrasonic liposuction using small incisions. Sometimes, a larger incision is required under the areola to remove breast tissue under the areola. In severe cases or in those losing over 50 pounds, additional incisions may be required.
Another common reason for plastic surgery in men is fat around the abdomen. Many men also complain of their love handles as being an area that they just can’t get rid of no matter how much they diet and exercise. Liposuction is often used to reduce the fullness in the “love handle” area or remove excess tissue in the abdomen. Abdominal etching is the removal of excess fat in the abdominal area especially in the area of the “six-pack” to create more definition. This type of cosmetic surgery for men works best in those close to their ideal weight looking for more definition.
Other popular options for cosmetic surgery in men are hair removal and facial injections or fillers. Hair removal can be done so that the beard and neck doesn’t require shaving as frequently or at all. Botox® temporarily decreases activity in facial muscles which allows the creases to relax. Radiesse®, Restylane®, Juvéderm® and Collagen are fillers used to build-up depressions and fill in deeper creases. Often, a combination of Botox® and fillers complement each other to give a more youthful look.
On men, all of these procedures are always done in a way to complement masculine features while looking more youthful – a big motivation for obtaining plastic surgery. As men become aware of what is available to them and are open to looking into these procedures, they can improve their confidence and competitive edge in the marketplace.
This article, printed in the El Paso Times, was written by Dr. Reynolds, who is the local Plastic Surgery expert for the newspaper.
Contact Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Center of El Paso to learn more about our cosmetic surgery for men.
