Is Plastic Surgery getting more popular with Men?

More men are opting for cosmetic procedures to rejuvenate their looks and stay competitive in the dating and job markets

Ralph Spencer, A Pennsylvania apple and pear farmer who is 70 years old, is one of an estimated million men in America who had some type of aesthetic surgery done in 2013.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, In the US,  about 10 % of all cosmetic procedures are done on males., . Procedures men choose most often are rhinoplasty (nose jobs), eyelid surgery, face lifts, breast reduction, and liposuction. Their reasons for seeking aesthetic surgery, including rejuvenation and anti-aging procedures, vary from man to man.

Spence, the farmer from PA, decided to get upper and lower eyelid surgery for both practical and cosmetic reasons. He said he'd noticed changes around his eyes, such as drooping lids and puffiness, which concerned him. He wanted to look good for a woman with whom he was in a relationship, but he also found out from his optometrist that these changes were affecting his range of vision.

So, he started looking into plastic surgery. Initially, he considered a full facelift, but he said that he didn't think his whole face had changed enough to warrant that. Instead, he went with work around the eyes.

Because sun exposure is a concern for healing skin after surgery, Spencer scheduled the procedure for late winter, when he would be able to stay indoors, catching up on the paperwork, bookkeeping, and desk duties related to farming through the year. By the time he needed to get back out in the orchards, his eye surgeries were healing well.

Plastic Surgery for Men:

Spencer’s reasons  reflect many of the reasons why  men may want Plastic Surgery. The pressure to be physically appealing to romantic partners and also competitive in a tough job market leads many men to consider cosmetic procedures, he said. The whole emphasis on youth has extended so men want to appear youthful socially a lot longer."

Cosmetic procedures can be a tougher sell for men, in part because they're not as accustomed as women to altering their appearance through makeup and hairstyling.  When men choose to proceed with a procedure a good plastic surgeon should educate men about their options so that they feel more comfortable with their desire for a new  look.

One of the biggest stumbling blocks for patients, though, is gaining a realistic understanding of what to expect and time to heal.. Not giving yourself time to heal can foster fear that your results aren’t going to be what you hoped for, when you simply haven't waited for full healing.

The rule of 6-6-6 which is “Usually for the first six weeks postoperatively, there are natural changes in the body because surgery is an injury, such as swelling, discoloration, and a scar that is more prominent. Over the next six weeks, which gets you to three months out, the body recovers from the insult and stops building scar. And, then at six months, the scar is resolving and you’re on your way.”

Botox for Men:

Botox offers a relatively low cost and commitment option that appeals to a lot of men.

Though women are generally relatively open about their procedures, men are incredibly secretive,. As a result, men opt for cosmetic surgery procedures that are less obvious and for which healing can be carefully scheduled.

An occasional Botox injection to help erase crow’s feet or brow lines, for instance, might be more appealing to men than a total facelift and its attendant longer-term recovery.

Okay Men you want to Seal the Deal on Cosmetic Surgery

If you’re a man interested in a cosmetic procedure,  “do your homework."  Take time to learn about your options, and find the right doctor and/or medical team for you and your needs You’ll also need to do some background research to learn about your plastic surgeon. Look at their board certifications, the number of similar procedures they've done, and patient referrals

Also, feel free (and brave enough!) to talk with others about their experiences to get referrals and ideas. And don't hesitate to take someone with you to initial appointments. More men,than woman frequently come to consultations with their spouse or significant other for support and insight.

. Prices vary depending on geography and the market.  . If you live in a major urban area but have a tight budget, looking for plastic surgery clinics outside of the city center might offer some cost savings, even if you have to travel a bit farther. And once you start talking with the doctor of your choice, you might find that lower-cost options, such as Botox, achieve your goals as well as a higher-priced procedure.

But whatever you opt for, consider cosmetic procedures as an investment.