The number of men having cosmetic surgery has been steadily increasing over the past several years.
The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) reports that in 1993, 26% of the people having facial cosmetic surgery were men, which represents a significant rise over the past ten years. This should come as no surprise as men and women age in the same manner.
In the past cosmetic surgery has been perceived as being an issue of vanity. Today cosmetic surgery is viewed as an avenue to match the way a person feels on the inside with the way they appear on the outside.
One of the reason’s that cosmetic surgery has become more accepted by men has been the advances in techniques which provide safer, more dependable results with less healing time.
Professional concerns often play a role in the decision to pursue cosmetic surgery. “People were telling me that I looked tired or angry when I really wasn’t “ relates one patient who had the excess skin and puffiness surrounding his eyes improved with a eyelid lift.
The most popular cosmetic procedures for men are briefly outlined below:
Hair Replacement Surgery- This area of cosmetic surgery has undergone dramatic transformation over the last ten years. Today, techniques give a more natural appearing hairline over a much shorter period of time. The bald spot over the crown can be gradually excised and thinning hairline thickened with mini and micro grafts.
Eyelid Lift-(blepharoplasty)- This procedure replaces the tired, sleepy or unhappy look with a brighter, refreshed look around the eye. Sagging skin and puffiness of the eyelids is removed. The technique involves small incisions that heal in a matter of days. Time off from work is minimal and office work can be done at home beginning about three days after surgery.
Nose Reshaping (rhinoplasty)- Reshaping of the nose may mean reducing a large hump on the bridge of the nose, straightening a twisted nose, narrowing a broad nose or lifting a drooping nasal tip. Packing is rarely used and a splint is placed over the nose for one week. Time off is usually seven to ten days, but office work can be done at home after the third day.
Face Lift Surgery- Also, known as a cheek/neck lift, the surgery removes the excess skin and fat that accumulates in the jowl region and under the skin. The incisions are nicely camouflaged in the hairline and around the ear. Today results are longer lasting because the foundation of the facial skin is “shored” up in addition to removing excess skin. Time off usually is two to three weeks, but office work can be done at home usually by the end of the first week.
Though more men may be considering cosmetic surgery then ever before they are more reluctant to discuss the subject then some of their female counterparts. Often men will take a well deserved “vacation” and return feeling and looking refreshed.
Something important to remember is the goal of cosmetic surgery is not to make you look like another person, rather the goal is to restore a more youthful, rested and relaxed appearing you.
No matter what the reason cosmetic surgery is a very personal and individualized process that most appropriately is addressed in the private setting of the doctor’s consultation room.
For free information regarding this and other procedures please contact our office.
