Although people primarily associate cosmetic surgery with women, more men are deciding to try it. Women still make up the majority, but the number of men seeking cosmetic treatments, both surgical and non-surgical is increasing dramatically.
According to a recent report from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the numbers of male patients undergoing aesthetic cosmetic procedures, has gone up dramatically over the past five years. They found a hefty 43 percent increase overall in the numbers of men choosing cosmetic procedures.
There are a number of factors driving this increase. The most important factor is the shift in attitudes. Even though women have always pushed the men in their lives to live healthier, equality for both sexes is helping men opt for ways to live better, and this includes choosing cosmetic treatments with confidence.
Changing Times and the Economy
The economy is one reason why more men are seeking cosmetic surgery. Many men who lose their jobs have to compete in the job market again, often going up against much younger candidates. This pressure increases the need to undergo surgical or non-surgical treatments to boost their confidence, as well as their chance of landing the job.
People no longer have one job or one career in their lifetimes. Now that people are living healthier and longer, they may have two or more different careers, and multiple jobs over the course of their lives.
These means men need to look vibrant in order to compete in today’s business environment. As a result, many men are also opting for weight loss surgeries, such as bariatric and band procedures that can help them drop weight fast, making the associated weight loss surgery costs more justifiable; however, with such severe fat loss, they may require the help of a cosmetic procedure to remove excess skin or deal with problem areas.
Society and Cultural Norms
The rise in male cosmetic surgery could also be due to changing sociological times. For men, there is less of a stigma on wanting to improve their appearance. There is an increased awareness on the connection between looking good and feeling good, both physically and emotionally for men, not just for women.
Men are also more informed about the reality of cosmetic and other medical treatments. Although they may have been put off by such procedures in the past, they witness the results firsthand in their colleagues and friends, making it more of a viable option.
Men Want Optimal Health
Men are more health-conscious thanks to the wealth of information available online. They know more about staying healthy. This includes diet and weight loss.
As a result, many men are going on weight loss and exercise programs. Weight loss surgery and cosmetic surgeries for severe weight loss are common these days, as many men fight the deadly effects of obesity. The numbers of weight loss procedures, including band and bariatric surgeries are also increasing for men.
With major weight loss comes loose skin, so cosmetic procedures are helping men address such lingering issues. Even after reaching goal, many people, including men, require laparoscopic surgery to smooth out trouble areas that don’t respond to exercise and diet.
Key Cosmetic Surgery Considerations
If you are considering a cosmetic procedure of any kind, you need to do the following:
- Find out as much as you can. When researching any procedure, look at what is involved, the length of recovery, and how long the results will take. Talk to your primary physician, too.
- Choose your cosmetic surgeon carefully. Only choose a professional who is qualified and has a good reputation. Ask your regular doctor to recommend a few for you, so you can check them out carefully. Speak to them in person, and only use them if you feel comfortable with them.
- Check all your options. For example, if you want to improve your jawline, you could opt for implants or have your jaw advanced, which are different procedures. You may also want to look at non-surgical alternatives, such as ultrasound therapy to tighten the skin on your neck. Discuss options with your surgeon.
- Understand all of your risks. All surgery comes with some risks, so research these before going ahead with anything. Get a variety of opinions from different sources to make sure you have the right information, and only go ahead with the procedure when you are certain it is something you want to do.
Cosmetic surgery is becoming more popular among men, but both sexes should think carefully before planning any type of treatment. Speak to your doctor, do your research, and find out as much as you can about the treatment options available. Don’t rush into it, but if you decide if it is right for you, enjoy the fact that cosmetic surgery is now more common and accepted for men than ever.
Zane Wilkerson is a men’s style consultant and fashion aficionado. He loves writing about the top trends in fashion and lifestyle. His posts can be found on many fashion, beauty and lifestyle blogs.
