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With 14% of all Botox injections in 2005 being administered to men, it is easy to see how
the male market for cosmetic procedures ad grooming has grown to a $3.5 billion industry. Men
are growing to the idea of fixing little "things" they see and may not like about themselves,
with an element of instant gratification to it. Cosmetic surgery used to be a primarily female
forte, but it is no longer exclusive. Cosmetic surgery is being used as a way to deal with
image maintenance and change for men and women alike.
The top five procedures men are asking for today are nose reshaping, hair transplantation,
eyelid surgery, liposuction, and breast reduction. The statistics for 2005 are as follows:
- 20% of all liposuction and eyelid surgeries are performed on men
- 26 % of all laser hair removal are performed on men
- 32% of all nose jobs are carried out on men
Although cosmetic surgery procedures in total were down in 2005, the non- invasive procedures
increased, especially in the Botox arena. These are quick fixes that can be done on a lunch
break, or even before heading off to work. Men are quickly seeing that the years can be taken
off their faces as quickly as fifteen minutes.
A few years ago, the surgeries that men always dreamt of were still making their transition
to mainstream augmentation status. Today the idea of getting those chiseled abs, or implanting
bulging pectoral muscles are not a fantasy, they are a reality becoming a mainstay in male
plastic surgery. Buttock enhancements are even gaining popularity, not just for women, but for
men as well.
It is important when seeking out procedures men would like to have done, it is important
to work with a physician who is well versed in the procedures that are being sought. Keep in
mind that you should be realistic about the outcomes of the surgery. Understanding the risks
and procedure will ensure this. Get your self healthy prior to surgery- stop smoking and
drinking alcohol if possible. Seek the advice of your physician if you are taking any
medication, are overweight, or have on-going health problems. It may be that the risks are
too great for you to undergo an elective procedure.
Make sure when you do decide to have cosmetic surgery that you do your homework and only
have a doctor who is properly qualified, trained and specialized to carry out the procedure.
In today's world, men more than ever are opting for cosmetic and plastic surgery. Reasons are
many and complex, but it reflects an acute awareness of cosmetic surgery and an increased
growth in decision making by men. Men seem to be more aware and in tune with societal norms
and fashions. Men are now seeing that women their age are looking and behaving younger, why
should they be left out of the fun? Men are now taking an increased responsibility for their
own healthcare and a major aspect of this is in cosmetic surgery.
There is another stimulus for this type of reaction. There is competition on every level in
the business world. Perception is said to be reality. The unsavory thought, whether correct
or not, is that an older person is not as efficient and maybe not the type of person you want
representing your image. In an effort to remain young and vibrant, men have turned to cosmetic
surgery.
It is not uncommon for men to have many of the same procedures as women in the cosmetic
surgery arena. Although there may be technical differences, many of the procedures are the
same, and in fact have a better chance of healing and faster recuperation than in women. The
sad fact is that men are in general less thrilled about the outcome of their plastic surgery
adventures, than women are.
A major plastic surgery endeavor for some men is in the area of Gynecomastia.
Gynecomastia, the technical term for large breasts in men, is common in several age groups. The
first being in young men around the age of puberty when it may go away without treatment and
the other is in men over fifty, when it is not resolved without surgery.
As unsettling as it can be, the cause is not clearly identified and often is a nonspecific
change in the breast tissue. There are cases where there is a specific cause such as thyroid
disease, liver disease, testicular problems, drug abuse, or steroid use. Obesity may be
another cause, and in that case, weight loss may be the way to go.
Gynecomastia can develop in one of two ways: either a firm section of tissue beneath the
nipple or a diffused pattern of fatty, dense tissue with a poorly defined area. In many
cases, both patterns are present. This said pattern is what helps figure the type of surgery
that needs to be performed. There are some problems and operations which are special for men. A
very similar procedure to what women undergo for breast reduction surgery is performed, and
in some cases there are very real differences, and those differences must be observed and
respected. More often than not, the surgery is a modification of the standard cosmetic
operations that have been performed on women over the years.
Men are now proudly undergoing various cosmetic, surgical and non surgical procedures to make
themselves feel better. Although, still a fairly new phenomenon, it shows that women are not
the only ones who are going to enter their golden years feeling and behaving like teenagers. It
can be a truly uplifting experience and a self esteem booster for any one, of any gender. Always
be sure to consult with a surgeon that you are comfortable with, and that understands your
goals and desires.
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Cosmetic/Plastic Surgery
