Male Plastic Surgery

According to the ASPS (American Society of Plastic Surgeons), 2010 statistics on plastic surgery and cosmetic enhancements, over 1 million American men treated themselves to cosmetic procedures in 2010. The stats included not only surgical procedures but minimally-invasive treatments like Botox, microdermabrasion and dermal fillers for wrinkles as well.

Face lifts saw the biggest increase: 14% more in 2010 compared with 2009, in the 50-60-year age group. Baby Boomer men often still work fulltime, some are at the peak of their careers and earning power. They dislike looking old in the mirror and they don’t want to appear old at work, where younger men are jockeying for their jobs. Boomer men are not willing to grow old gracefully!

Treatments for gynecomastia were the next biggest increase, up by 6%. Moobs, Man Boobs, and a dozen other uncomplimentary slang words for gynecomastia, are the bane of millions of men. Gynecomastia generally occurs at two distinct life points: puberty and around the age of 50 and older, both due to hormonal changes. Knowing that, it was a surprise to learn that men under 30 were the largest group having male breast reductions. They are actively dating and are willing to spend the money to have a chest that looks more like The Situation’s and less like Mom’s.

Dermabrasion increased by 4%, while Botox injections grew by 9% among men between 2009 and 2010. Liposuction went up 7% and ear surgeries 11%.  Most ear surgeries were performed to pin back protuberant ears, a surgery most often done when children are kindergarten age—as they say, it’s never too late to have a happy childhood!

The six most popular surgical procedures for men in 2010 included nose reshaping, eyelid surgery, liposuction, breast reduction and hair transplantation.

Although Botox led the list of minimally and non-invasive procedures, laser hair removal, microdermabrasion, chemical peels and wrinkle fillers were close behind.

Let’s start a discussion here on my Facebook page: If you could change just one thing about your man’s appearance, what would it be? A smaller nose? Flatter abs? A more-defined jaw? While you’re sharing that, also share one feature you totally love about your man and wouldn’t change for anything!

To your health & beauty,

Dr. Gregory Chernoff