According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), over one million men underwent plastic surgery in 2004. This is a sixteen percent increase since 2000. One Beverley Hills, California cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgeon reports that he has seen a two-fold increase—from 10 to 20 percent—in the number of men coming to his practice for plastic surgery.
According to experts, men choose to have the same areas of their body improved as women do. According to the ASPS and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), the top five surgical procedures sought by men in 2004 included, rhinoplasty (nose reshaping), hair transplantation, eyelid surgery, liposuction, and breast reduction. When it comes to non-surgical cosmetic procedures, men—like women—seek Botox, chemical peels, collagen injections, and microdermabrasion.
However, men are different as plastic surgery patients in many ways, say doctors. Men are more reluctant to come in for a consultation, report some plastic surgeons. Men also tend to wait longer to come in when something is bothering them. When men come in for cosmetic surgery, what they seem NOT to want is dramatic change. Many men and women want subtle effects of plastic surgery, not dramatic revisions. Men often tend to favor non-invasive procedures with less downtime.
According to plastic surgeon Dr. Leroy Young, the desire to remain attractive in a competitive work-driven world compels many men to seek cosmetic surgery. “There is now very good data to show the good jobs, the promotions, go to the young and good-looking,” he added. He also believes that the de-stigmatization of cosmetic procedures is helping to increase the number of men considering plastic surgery. Some doctors believe the stigma still exists in the minds of some men.
Plastic surgery experts advise surgery candidates, regardless of gender, to do their research when in comes to cosmetic surgery. It is important to consult with several doctors before choosing the one most well suited to perform your desired procedure. It is important to check if the surgeon is certified and by which board. A plastic surgeon should be certified by a board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). It is also crucial to learn more about what your desired procedure and your plastic surgeon can and can not do for you.