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Although the stereotype is that women are the ones looking for plastic surgery, data shows that men are seeking plastic surgery more than ever. In addition, while it used to be that old men were considered "distinguished," and were the gold standard for attractiveness, recent trends have made it just as important for men to look young as for women.

Options

When planning your cosmetic surgery, it is important to make your intentions and reasons very clear to your plastic surgeon. Why you want this surgery, what you expect the outcome to be and any fears you have about any aspect of your prospective surgery must be discussed in thorough detail during your consultation. It is important for your surgeon and for yourself that you both understand each other and that you are seeking the same goals at the conclusion of your surgery. The better your communication prior to your surgery is, the better your results will be and the more satisfied you will be as a cosmetic surgery patient.

Your surgeon will evaluate your health and expect you to consent to a physical examination. Then your surgeon will take photographs of you prior to surgery and explain what will happen before, during, and after your procedure. Other details such as anesthesia, the type of surgery facility to be used, any possible risks and the costs involved will also be discussed during the consultation.

In most cases, health insurance providers will not cover the costs of cosmetic surgery since it is an elective procedure. But, many clinics offer financing and it is important that you ask your plastic surgeon what options are available through his facility.

Surgeries Available?

Cosmetic surgery procedures have become a more accepted and commonplace practice among men of all ages. Some cosmetic surgery options available to men today are:

• Liposuction and body contouring - The picture-perfect male physique consists of broad shoulders and chest, a flat stomach and narrow hips and thighs. Unfortunately, as most men age, certain areas tend to accumulate excess fatty tissue such as the chin and neck, the breast area (this condition is known as Gynecomastia) and the abdomen and flanks which become that “spare tire” and those “love handles“. When these areas become a problem and are resistant to diet and exercise, men often opt for liposuction treatment. Fortunately, men often retain their skin elasticity longer than women do, so liposuction is often very effective by itself. In some cases, if there is loose skin or areas of excess fat, excision may accompany the liposuction.

• Abdominoplasty - For men with hanging abdominal skin, loose abdominal muscles and even hernias that have gone untreated, abdominoplasty is a good option. During this procedure, excess fat is removed and the muscles are pulled together and sutured to assist in flattening the abs and trimming the waist.

• Muscle-Enhancing Surgery - Modern advances in plastic surgery have enabled surgeons to provide muscle sculpting and etching, as well as muscle implants to restore contour and physique.

• Scalp Reduction Surgery - This type of surgery may be considered as an alternative to hair transplants which leave noticeable incision marks at the transplant sites. During scalp reduction surgery, your plastic surgeon will cut out a bald section of scalp and pull two other sections together which contain an ample supply of hair follicles.

• Facial Skin Treatments - Dermabrasion and chemical peels are available to remove outer, dead layers of skin to reveal the fresh, more youthful underlying skin. An advantage some men find after these treatments is that a full beard and moustache may help to hide the red and tender skin immediately following the treatment.
• Facial Reconstructive Surgeries - Surgeries to improve sagging eyelids, streamline the nose or construct more prominent chin and cheekbones can be performed to provide you with a more sturdy and strong appearance to your face.

Concerns

It is important to be fully aware of every aspect involved in your recovery process after any type of plastic surgery. All procedures require a period of recovery during which you must closely follow every guideline given by your surgeon. Some recovery considerations may include time off from work, compression garments and tight bandages, a lot of rest, avoiding sunlight, alcohol and cigarettes, refraining from strenuous activity and sometimes even abstaining from sex.

Be sure you have someone to be supportive, both mentally and physically during your recovery period because you must acknowledge that you will experience pain and the need for a helping hand in order to heal properly. This is not a time to allow pride to get in your way.

For any elected surgery, be sure you seek out a board-certified plastic surgeon and research their background and experience.

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