Men & Plastic Surgery

Medical Home > Cosmetic Plastic Surgery > Aesthetic Trends > Plastic Surgery for Men

By Steve R. Fallek, M.D.

Today’s society places such an emphasis on image and appearance.  As a result, cosmetic plastic surgery has begun to take center stage. Historically, only women were held to specific aesthetic standards and ideals.  Now the tables have turned; and men, too, are judged by their looks and are thus opting for cosmetic enhancement.  Additionally, the media and reality TV makeover shows illustrate the drastic improvements cosmetic surgery creates in appearance and self-esteem.  All of these elements contribute to the recent trend of men undergoing plastic surgery.

I believe the number of men seeking cosmetic surgery is a combination of the social trend/phenomenon of “metrosexuality,” marketing of cosmetic companies, the media, society’s emphasis on appearance, and personal satisfaction.  Although the metrosexual lifestyle does have an influence on men, there are many other factors leading to the rise in plastic surgery.  The skin care market is a multi-billion dollar industry.  Men are the great untapped potential so the cosmetic companies’ marketing forces are out there.  Getting a manicure, using a moisturizer, or having a new haircut does not mean you have to sign up for liposuction.  Men must realize, and I believe most do, that cosmetic plastic surgery is elective and should be done for the right reasons.

Why Men Have Plastic Surgery

In many respects, men and women have the same reasons for plastic surgery.  Most men, like women, want to feel better about themselves and look good in clothes.  Men’s clothing is becoming narrower, more defined, and men cannot hide anymore in baggy, double-breasted suits.  Men don’t necessarily want to look younger.  They want to look better.  They want to look less tired, more energetic.  The workplace is obviously a very competitive environment, and everyone needs to look his or her personal best.  Studies have shown that attractive men and women get paid more, are more respected, and better liked.

I notice more and more men are opting for cosmetic surgery as a good business investment.  It literally pays to look good.  An Ivy League education and an MBA will take today’s executives only so far.  The bottom line is that businessmen are often judged by their appearance, which ultimately affects earning potential and success.  Studies from the Universities of Texas and Michigan show that plain-looking people earn 5 to 10 percent less than people of average looks, who in turn earn 3 to 8 percent less than those deemed good-looking.

Plastic Surgery Procedures For Men

Top procedures for men remain liposuction, eyelid lifts, hair transplants, and rhinoplasty.  Eyelid lifts are particularly popular because men want to look awake and energized.  By removing excess fat, skin, and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids, blepharoplasty can rejuvenate puffy, sagging, or tired-looking eyes.  Body contouring and body lifts are increasing due to the number of gastric bypass/weight reduction surgeries.

Less Invasive Procedures For Men

I predict less invasive procedures such as Botox, fillers such as Restylane and collagen, and laser hair removal will continue to increase in number because there is no downtime.  Facial resurfacing with lasers will continue to decrease due to prolonged redness.

Chin liposuction is one area of increase I project for men.  Even relatively thin men can still be plagued by a double chin. Although the physique might be slim, the extra flesh around the chin can convey an appearance of sloth that can be extremely detrimental to climbing the corporate ladder.  Once fat is suctioned from the chin area, those stubborn fat cells are banished forever.

Additionally, I believe the current trend of chin implants will remain popular.  While ladies may opt for breast implants or Botox injections, men are “taking it on the chin” and refining this feature to rival that of celebrities such as Harrison Ford, Brad Pitt, and John Travolta.  A chin implant can modify the profile and lend that more authoritative, aggressive look.  Limited downtime is a major advantage of this procedure.  The patient can simply book the surgical procedure before the weekend to be back at work early the following week.

STEVE R. FALLEK, M.D.
Cosmetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon
New York, NY & Englewood, NJ

Dr. Fallek obtained his B.A. degree from the University of Pennsylvania, cum laude, in 1987, and received his M.D. from Mount Sinai School of Medicine New York, NY in 1991.

After medical school, he completed a general surgery residency at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, where he then received fellowship training in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

For more information please visit www.fallekplasticsurgery.com or call 201-541-4181

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