In our image-conscious society, having a pleasing physical appearance is considered vital to getting ahead in the workplace, not to mention romantic and social situations. Culturally, there’s also been a shift, and men are no longer expected to look rugged and weather-beaten.
Many men now desire a pleasing facial symmetry, a trim physique, and radiant skin, with many turning to male plastic surgery to help them achieve these ideals.
According to a 2016 report published by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the number of men undergoing cosmetic procedures has been steadily rising. While men only accounted for 8% of cosmetic procedures in 2016, they underwent 1.3 million procedures that year (versus 14.2 million for women).
Meanwhile, according to a 2017 survey conducted by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), 31% of male respondents said they were “extremely likely” to consider a cosmetic procedure. A further 44% of respondents wanted to undergo cosmetic procedures to improve their self-esteem.
What are the Different Types of Plastic Surgery for Men?
The most common cosmetic surgery procedures requested by men include liposuction, rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery, and facelifts. Cosmetic procedures are generally performed the same way for men and women. However, those performed on men, such as male rhinoplasty and male eyelid surgery, are designed to address specific aesthetic or structural issues without compromising the masculinity of the patients’ facial features or bodies.
Other Popular Male Cosmetic Surgery Procedures
Here’s a breakdown of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures for men:
Male Rhinoplasty
Male rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to address the aesthetic or structural issues of the male nose. While it’s no different from other types of rhinoplasty procedures, the distinction lies in the procedure’s principal goal, which is to improve the appearance or function of the nose while maintaining or enhancing the masculinity of the patient’s facial features.
Patients can expect customized alterations to the size and shape of their nose, bridge width and height, as well as nostril size and position.
The Procedure
A male rhinoplasty can be performed using either the open or closed approach. The closed approach is done by making strategic incisions and stitches in hidden locations inside the nasal structure. The open approach, in contrast, is done by separating the skin from its supporting cartilage and bone. The underlying cartilage and bone framework are then carefully sculpted to achieve the patient’s desired shape. The skin is then re-affixed over the nasal structure.
Your plastic surgeon will carefully close the incisions to minimize visible scarring. A splint may also be installed within the nose to keep the septum in place and maintain the nose’s new shape.
A male rhinoplasty procedure usually takes between two to three hours, but may take longer for patients who have to undergo more complicated procedures.
Postoperative Period
As an outpatient procedure, the expected downtime is usually minimal and patients can often return to their normal day-to-day activities within a week post-surgery, However, it will take several weeks before the patient can safely participate in strenuous activities.
Benefits
Patients can expect the following benefits following a male rhinoplasty procedure:
- A more proportionate nasal shape
- Improved nasal alignment
- Improved breathing
Male Eyelid Surgery
Also referred to as blepharoplasty, male eyelid surgery is performed to enhance the quality of the skin surrounding the eyes. This is done by reducing the appearance of common signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles, excess fatty deposits, and droopy eyelids.
Male eyelid surgery can be performed on both the upper and lower eyelids via the removal or redistribution of excess skin and fatty tissue. Like all male cosmetic surgery procedures, the enhancements are made without compromising the masculinity of the patient’s features.
The Procedure
As there are many different male eyelid surgical techniques, your plastic surgeon will adjust his surgical approach based on your unique needs. To revitalize the lower eyelids, your surgeon will make an incision inside the lash line to gain access to the underlying tissues that need to be repositioned or extracted. As for the upper eyelid, a strategic incision will be made within the natural crease on the eyelid to avoid any visible scarring.
Under normal conditions, a male blepharoplasty can take up to two hours to complete.
Postoperative Period
Following the surgery, you may experience some swelling and bruising. To manage these side-effects and ensure a more comfortable recovery, you’ll need to take the prescribed medications and follow all post-op instructions.
While it takes approximately two weeks for the localized bruising to subside, patients are normally able to return to their day-to-day activities within a week following surgery.
Benefits
Patients can expect the following benefits following the procedure:
- A revitalized appearance
- Smoother skin around the eye area
- Improved vision
Male Brow Lift Surgery
Designed to address the common signs of aging on the upper third of the face, male brow lift surgery involves improving the appearance of common signs of aging in this area, including loose skin, deep forehead creases, droopy eyelids, and sagging brows. These undesirable features often give patients a tired, angry, or unhappy appearance.
As the natural shape and position of the male brow differs significantly from the female brow, conservative adjustments are needed to avoid dramatically altering or feminizing the patient’s appearance.
The Procedure
Depending on the patient, there are several ways to perform this surgical procedure. The trichophytic brow lift and classic coronal brow lift both involve lengthy incisions, starting from one side of the head to the other. The endoscopic lift, in contrast, involves four or five short incisions in the scalp. A special instrument will be inserted to allow the surgeon to examine the facial tissues and make the necessary modifications. Other procedures that are commonly performed include the temporal brow lift, direct brow lift, and the transblepharoplasty.
Postoperative Period
In most cases, the expected downtime is approximately 10 to 14 days. Minor discomfort, swelling, and bruising may be experienced, but this should subside after a few weeks.
Benefits
Patients can expect the following benefits following the procedure:
- Smoother skin around the brow and forehead area
- Lifted eyebrows
- A rejuvenated appearance
- Enhanced facial symmetry
Men’s Facelift Surgery
The male facelift is a surgical rejuvenation procedure designed to give patients a more youthful and pleasing appearance. It involves tightening the facial muscles, improving the appearance of sagging skin, and repositioning facial volume—all without altering the masculine appearance of the patient.
The Procedure
Your surgeon will make small incisions to access the connective tissues and muscles underneath your face. The placement of these incisions will depend on several factors, including your facial hair, sideburn placement, hairline height, and others. The skin and underlying facial tissue will be repositioned to achieve the desired facial results. Your surgeon may also redistribute facial fat or use fillers, implants, or fat injections to add volume to areas of the face, leading to a more youthful overall appearance.
The whole procedure takes about three to four hours.
Postoperative Period
Patients may experience swelling and bruising, as well as mild to moderate pain during the first few days following the procedure. These side-effects should diminish within the next 10 to 14 days.
Benefits
Patients can expect the following results after a male facelift:
- A more chiselled jawline
- Tighter and smoother skin
- A slimmer countenance
- A more attractive, masculine facial profile
- Subtle overall rejuvenation
Male Cheek Augmentation
Designed to enhance the appearance of the cheek area by addressing any issues with either the bony or soft tissue components or both, male cheek augmentation is performed using a wide array of methods, including bony augmentation, fat grafting, and soft tissue enhancement. Your surgeon may also install biocompatible facial implants to achieve the desired enhancements.
The Procedure
The surgical approach will differ for each patient, as each will have his unique concerns and objectives. Generally, the standard procedure will involve strategic augmentation of the cheek’s bony and soft tissue components.
Postoperative Period
Patients can expect minimal bruising, swelling, and general discomfort during the first couple of days post-surgery. These should begin to subside after 48 to 72 hours. All visible side effects should start to disappear after two weeks.
Benefits
Patients can expect the following results after a male cheek augmentation procedure:
- Well-contoured cheeks
- Sharply defined cheekbones
- A more attractive, masculine facial profile
- Reduced fine lines and wrinkles
- A rejuvenated appearance
Other Popular Cosmetic Procedures for Men
Liposuction for Men
One of the most popular procedures for both men and women, liposuction involves the removal of excess fat deposits from parts of the body to create new contours. Male patients typically request liposuction on their flanks and abdomen.
During the procedure, minute incisions are made in the desired areas. A small tube known as the cannula is then inserted in the incisions to dislodge fatty tissue. Once the fat has been loosened, your surgeon will then extract the tissue using a surgical vacuum.
Patients typically need two weeks to recover before resuming normal activities.
While patients often expect liposuction to give their bodies a slimmer and more proportioned appearance, it’s important to remember that the procedure isn’t a substitute for proper diet and exercise.
Male Breast Reduction Surgery
Usually requested by men who suffer from gynecomastia (an endocrine system disorder that increases the size of the breasts), male breast reduction surgery is one of the fastest-growing cosmetic surgery procedures in the United States, according to the Mayo Clinic.
This surgical procedure involves the removal of swollen male breast tissue. The size or position of the areola, which may become distorted due to significant muscle or weight gain, may also be addressed.
Full recovery takes about three to six months, and sports and other strenuous activities are strongly discouraged for the first month after the procedure.
Get The Best Results
No longer the sole domain of women, male plastic surgery is one of the most effective ways to improve a man’s appearance and boost his confidence. If what you see in the mirror does not make you happy, then perhaps it is time to consider one or more of the procedures mentioned above. Talk to us about it. Call us: 310-504-7604.
Posted on behalf of Sedgh Plastic Surgery
