Almost everyone has some part of their body that they would like to
be different, but can you guess what cosmetic enhancement men are most
likely to undergo? The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
reports that facial cosmetic surgery and nonsurgical facial procedures
are the most popular treatments for men.
Denver facial plastic surgeons Dr. Andrew Wolfe and Dr. Steven Vath at
the Center for Cosmetic Surgery discussed the ASPS report in light of
their own experience in practicing cosmetic surgery.
"It is a common misconception that men are more body-focused when it
comes to their appearance," explained Dr. Vath. "But the statistics and
our experience indicate otherwise. Men frequently choose procedures such
as eyelid surgery or a facelift in Colorado at our practice, mirroring
the national numbers." Many believe that the face-centric male
preference in cosmetic procedures is due to a contracting job market, in
which men believe that they will be more likely to get and keep jobs if
they have a youthful appearance. "The fact is," noted Dr. Wolfe, "We
live in a very youth-oriented society. The face, typically more so than
the body, reveals our age, and may affect others' perception of us."
There are also many tested, effective facial procedures that are
noninvasive, and require little administration and healing time. These
sorts of procedures, such as BOTOX® injections, minimize cost, intrusion
to the body and recovery time.
Another factor in play is the long life span and general health of many
in the baby boomer generation. As life expectancy increases, and men and
women maintain active, healthy lifestyles, many seniors do not feel old,
and seek cosmetic alterations that will make them look as good as they
feel; often such work centers on facial enhancements. Common complaints
include heavy eyelids, wrinkles, brow furrows and frown lines. "Older
men today are healthier and fitter ? essentially staying younger for
longer," said Dr. Wolfe. "We often hear from our male patients that they
want their face to reflect that level of energy and vitality."
Men are also more likely to seek cosmetic procedures because they are
better informed about their options than they have been in the past.
Cosmetic surgery has been somewhat stigmatized for men in the past, but
with more celebrities, athletes, and other high-profile men undergoing
cosmetic procedures, men are becoming more interested. Older men in
particular seem to be less interested in radically altering underlying
structures or making major changes, and more interested in
minimally-invasive procedures that will make them look less stern or
angry and more youthful. "With increased information, we've seen
attitudes about cosmetic procedures relax ? particularly among men,"
said Dr. Vath.