ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, III — Men are turning to plastic surgery and other cosmetic procedures to enhance their physical appearance and boost self-esteem more than ever before, according to a study published by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Body image and issues with appearance has traditionally been associated with and discussed among women, but these issues are becoming more prevalent for many men. In 2017, more than 1.3 million cosmetic procedures were performed on American men, according to the report.
“More men are talking to each other about plastic surgery and the results they’re seeing, and as the stigma drops, men are coming in to talk about which procedures might be right for them,” says Dr. Lorelei Grunwaldt, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Pittsburgh, in a statement. “When I explain the wide range of surgeries and procedures available to help them achieve their goals, I can see the look of relief on their faces. For a lot of men, just having a procedure on an area of their body that they’re self-conscious about can really make a positive impact on how they see themselves.”
Researchers say common cosmetic procedures that have long been associated with women are rising in popularity among men. Liposuction procedures for males have increased by 23 percent compared to five years ago, while tummy tucks have risen by 12 percent. Perhaps surprisingly, breast reduction surgery for men has spiked the highest, with 30 percent more procedures on men over the past five years.
Doctors say the rates of plastic surgery among men are rising in all age groups, with retirement-aged men favoring procedures like filler injections and Botox. Filler injections are up by 99 percent since 2000, and Botox procedures have quadrupled.
“Some people call it the ‘executive edge’ because a lot of patients report that they want to look younger to continue to compete in the workplace,” says Dr. Jeffrey Janis, President of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. “But I think, more often, men just want to look as young as they feel.”
Janis notes that any of these procedures, it’s always recommended that patients visit a board-certified surgeon to ensure highest levels of safety and satisfaction.
The study was published by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.