More men than
ever are now requesting cosmetic surgery. There is an increased
awareness by men regarding the benefits of plastic surgery. The
"coming of age" of baby boomers, intense competition in the business
world, and an increasing interest in longevity, health, fitness,
and appearance has stimulated the interest in cosmetic surgery.
Although the standard operations such as face lifts, eyelid surgery,
liposuction and so on, are available to both men and women, there
are special considerations for men and certain procedures that
are unique to men. (Few women request hair replacement, and even
less seek penis enlargement).
In many job fields, pressure has
been placed upon middle aged men to not only maintain and update
their skills and knowledge but an energetic, vital and healthy
appearance is also an asset. Image does matter, and first impressions
count. This is true form many professions including: sales, entertainment,
and most jobs that keep us in the public eye.
Most men cannot afford much time
off from work. They tend to be more private about having cosmetic
surgical procedures. Healing changes and scars are more difficult
to hide or camouflage than women having the same operations. Fortunately,
many options are available to help rejuvenate the face or remove
unwanted areas of fat in relatively simple and discreet ways.
Eyelids (blepharoplasty)
- this is the focal point of our face and eye contact is important
for proper communication in most person to person contact. Lower
lid eyelid bags can often be removed through the inside of the
lower lid without any visible incisions. There is little bruising
or swelling and the results can be dramatic. Upper eyelid
surgery is more standard but does heal rapidly with discoloration
gone in 7-14 days.
Forehead lift with an endoscope
can open the upper eyes and raise the brows at the same time removing
deep frown lines without any visible incisions and a fairly short
recovery. This operation alone can make one look more alert, younger
and energetic.
Botox, collagen, fat injection,
and other fillers are all quick and simple methods to reduce lines,
wrinkles and improve a sad or tired look without surgery
or lengthy healing.
Liposuction of the neck and
jowls and removal of the buccal (cheek) fat pads can thin the
face and rejuvenate without visible incisions, cost, and healing
required for a facelift. Although this is useful for select patients,
it is a great option for those men an will go a long way to providing
a large improvement with a quick recovery and no visible signs
of surgery.
Laser and skin care has changed dramatically and new products can provide excellent
results with less "down" time for healing. Skin products can diminish
age spots, reduce fine lines, and improve and rejuvenate sun damaged
skin.
Body contouring has also come a
long way. Improvements in liposuction techniques and newer
technology such as ultrasonic liposuction has allowed better
results with quicker healing than in previous years. The most
requested areas of contouring for men include decreasing breast
size (gynecomastia), reduction of "love handles", and abdominal
liposuction. Gynecomastia is a very common condition occurring
in as many as one of three males. This enlargement of the male
breasts frequently occurs during adolescence but may have a variety
of causes. Previously correction required an incision and standard
surgical methods. It is now relatively simple to correct with
liposuction. Even men with relatively normal body fat and excellent
physiques have been able to enhance the appearance of their abdomen
with liposuction-etching to achieve the "six-pack" desired by
many body builders.
Hair restoration has also
become more sophisticated in the last several years, providing
a wider selection of options to achieve more natural results.
Hair transplants using single hairs in "megasessions" of 800-2000
hairs per operation has created a more natural look. Other methods
including flaps, and scalp reduction can be combined to give very
satisfying results.
Hair removal can remove excess
or unwanted hair of the face, neck, back and so forth. Newer lasers
appear very promising in providing long lasting and perhaps permanent
decrease or complete removal of hair. This is an evolving area
of new technology that is improving very rapidly.
An nation-wide study revealed that
84% of the surveyed men felt that physical attractiveness was
important for power and success. The overall message was loud
and clear: The way you look can have a substantial impact on your
job and your career. Plastic surgery can help you look and feel
young and physically fit and improve your self-confidence and
self-esteem.
