The Growing Popularity of Plastic Surgery for Men

While women still account for 90 percent of all cosmetic plastic surgery performed in the US, doctors are seeing a new trend: more men are seeking the procedure, especially those in their 40s and 50s.

Because of the stiff job competition and the growing number of men postponing their retirement, leading Los Angeles plastic surgeon Dr. Tarick Smaili sees more male patients going to his office to ask for cosmetic procedures.

“Contrary to popular belief, I think men nowadays are as conscious as women in terms of physical appearance.  In fact, a 2010 data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) has shown that the number of middle-aged men seeking medical enhancement is on the rise,” Smaili added.

Meanwhile, another survey shows men’s growing enthusiasm with plastic surgery.  UCLA has found that 23 percent of US men were interested with the procedure, although only a fraction will push through with their plans.  By contrast, women were about eight times more likely than male patients to go under the knife.

Smaili noticed that many men still view plastic surgery as the last resort to their problems.

“Based on my experience, men will more likely prefer non-invasive procedures such as Botox injection and dermal fillers while women are more willing to go under the knife to achieve the best result possible,” the cosmetic surgeon said.

A significant number of men seeking cosmetic surgery undergo facial rejuvenation procedures such as facelift and eyelid lift.  And with the aging baby boomers who are living longer and healthier, plastic surgeons across the US believe in one thing: more eager patients will fall in line outside their office.

In fact, a 2010 data from ASPS shows that facelift performed on male patients increased by 14 percent.

Aside from employment reasons and Americans’ obsession to looking young, Smaili believes that the increasing number of patients seeking cosmetic procedures is caused by the changing attitude.

“In the past, cosmetic surgery was almost considered taboo, but now, many people would admit it without batting an eyelash.  More men are also open to treatments that would improve their appearance; this is proven by the invention of the term metrosexual, which is used to describe men who spend a lot of time and money for their appearance,” Smaili said. 

Aside from facial rejuvenation procedures such as facelift and Botox, Smaili has also noticed an increase in number of male patients seeking liposuction especially in the chest area and abdomen.