In recent years, male plastic surgery has seen a significant increase in popularity, demonstrating a growing acceptance of cosmetic procedures among men. From liposuction to hair transplantation, more men are turning to plastic surgery to improve their appearance and enhance self-confidence.
Today, we’re taking a look at some of the most popular types of male plastic surgery, and considering some essential steps to doing your due diligence, if you’re considering such a procedure.
Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty, or a ‘nose job,’ is one of the most popular plastic surgeries among men. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ 2020 report, more than 52,000 men underwent rhinoplasty procedures in the United States alone. This procedure aims at improving the appearance of the nose, correcting any deformities from birth or injury, and can also help in relieving certain breathing problems.
Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)
Aging and stress can cause drooping eyelids or bags under the eyes, which often make men look older or more tired than they truly are. Eyelid surgery rejuvenates the area around the eyes, contributing to a more youthful and refreshed appearance. In 2020, more than 30,000 men underwent this procedure.
Liposuction
Liposuction is a procedure to remove excess fat deposits and improve body contours – it is not a weight-loss procedure but rather used to target stubborn areas. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported over 28,000 male liposuction procedures in 2020, making it one of the top procedures for men.
Gynecomastia Surgery
Gynecomastia, or male breast reduction surgery, is becoming increasingly common. This condition, characterized by the excessive growth of male breast tissue, can cause embarrassment and self-consciousness. Gynecomastia surgery aims at removing this excess tissue, creating a flatter, more traditionally masculine chest area. Approximately 24,000 such procedures were performed in 2020.
Hair Transplantation
Androgenetic alopecia, or common male pattern baldness, affects many men worldwide. Hair transplantation is a popular method of combating hair loss, with procedures such as follicular unit extraction (FUE) and follicular unit transplantation (FUT) providing solutions. The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery reported a 60% increase in hair transplantation procedures from 2014 to 2020.
Doing Your Due Diligence
These procedures reflect the changing perception of male plastic surgery, speaking volumes about the evolving societal expectations around male beauty and the increasing importance men place on their appearance. It’s crucial, however, for men contemplating plastic surgery to remember that any surgical procedure involves risks.
Proper consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon is vital to ensure that the procedure is safe and appropriate for the individual’s specific circumstances.
Ensure You Use A Regulated Professional
One of the biggest concerns within the aesthetics industry is training and experience in handling adverse events and complications. Make sure the professional who is treating you has received the proper training. These types of courses are designed for registered healthcare professionals, and require a background understanding of key healthcare principles and clinical skills.
Steer clear of practitioners who have had only completed a short training course, or worse, no training at all. When you meet the practitioner, be sure to ask about their training, qualifications and experience. Your practitioner should be on a register which shows they have the training and skill to carry out the procedure. These registers include The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), The Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP) and The British Association of Cosmetic Nurses.
Research Potential Clinics Thoroughly
Just as it’s vital that you check your practitioner’s experience and qualifications diligently, so it’s important to assess the accreditation (all clinics and hospitals providing cosmetic surgery must be registered with the Quality Care Commision) of the clinic you’ll be attending, check reviews scrupulously and especially pay particular attention to the negative ones.
Look through the clinics ‘before and after’ photos, of which any decent operation should provide. Most will also have an Instagram feed showcasing their work. If you’re looking for something natural but only are only seeing photos of fake looking treatments, that should ring alarm bells. Check if the clinic has won any awards; a surefire sign that they’re doing good things in the industry.
The Bottom Line
The rise in male plastic surgery serves as a reminder that body image concerns are not limited to women. As society continues to evolve its understanding of beauty and body positivity, it is critical to foster compassion and acceptance, ensuring everyone feels comfortable in their own skin.