Male Cosmetic Surgery
More and more men are considering cosmetic surgery. Once the domain of women only, men are now seeing the benefits that cosmetic surgery can bring to their personal lives, professional lives and sense of self-being. Aria Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery is pleased to count a large number of male patients as those who have successfully undergone cosmetic improvement. The motivations that bring male patients to cosmetic surgeons vary as do the patients themselves. Sometimes there are physical features which have always been a source of concern since childhood. Sometimes the motivation is the changes the occur due to aging. As more and more men seek to stay in the workforce, they are often forced to compete with younger employees who might “look the part” more than their experienced and older colleagues. By dialing back the clock with cosmetic surgery, the playing field for competition in the workplace is leveled once again. Male cosmetic surgery is sometimes desired as men find themselves dating later in life than ever before. Most men report that even when they feel young, looking their age makes them less attractive as potential suitors. Making men feel as young as they look is one of the goals for cosmetic surgery at Aria Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery. In 2004, 1.2 million men had cosmetic surgical procedures done in the United States, according to statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Men account for 8% of all cosmetic surgical procedures done in the United States. That number has increased annually, growing 8% in just that last year. The most common procedures for men are Liposuction, Eyelid Surgery, Rhinoplasty, Hair replacement procedures and surgery to reduce the male breast. Each of these has increased annually as more men avail themselves of cosmetic surgery and become aware of options they might not have been aware existed. Liposuction for men is one of the most rewarding procedures performed in plastic surgery. Men often suffer with the abdominal “spare tire” despite aggressive physical activity and diet restriction. Often they will lose weight and even muscle mass before this area changes in appearance. Liposuction targets this area by selectively removing the fat cells which cause the problem. Once the fat cells are removed they can increase in size but they can’t “grow back” so as long as weight is maintained the appearance is also maintained. Liposuction can also be used to contour areas such as the neck and male breast. Some men have full fatty necks that respond well to liposuction or liposuction in combination with a small chin implant. A stronger neck and jaw line are often major improvements in male cosmetic surgery patients. The male breast can be enlarged in a condition known as gynecomastia. While gynecomastia can be related to drugs or hormonal changes, the vast majority of male patients have breast enlargement for idiopathic or unknown causes. Many men who come for breast reduction surgery have never felt comfortable walking shirtless on a beach. In prior years this surgery was sometimes covered by insurance, however, more and more frequently this is considered a cosmetic procedure and is excluded from health insurance coverage. The treatment for gynecomastia consists of liposuction of the peripheral breast tissue with excision of the central “breast bud”. This incision is placed within the areola, the pigmented area around the nipple, to avoid leaving visible scars. The liposuction is done either through this same incision or through a small incision placed in the armpit. Sometimes drains are placed for a short time after surgery to minimize the amount of space under the skin susceptible for fluid accumulation. After the surgery, patients are placed in a compressive vest that also minimizes space under the skin. The vest is worn for several weeks after surgery but can easily be worn under everyday clothing. Rhinoplasty is also a common procedure for male patients. Dr Cori Agarwal, a member of the medical staff at Aria Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery, has received specialized training in rhinoplasty including participation at the prestigious Dallas Rhinoplasty Symposium. Rhinoplasty in men can vary from small adjustments to the nasal tip to lowering prominent nasal humps. The incisions for rhinoplasty can be hidden in the nose with recovery in only a few short weeks. In cases where a septoplasty is needed, the procedure or a portion of the procedure may be covered by a patient’s health insurance. Hair replacement is gaining popularity but at this point it not a service offered by Aria Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery. Also popular with men are eyelid procedures. Men frequently have heavy upper eyelids or prominent lower eyelid bags which are more noticeable as they age. Sometimes upper eyelid hooding can lead to limited upper visual fields. As an example, a male golfer might report that his tee shot takes off, disappears from his view, then appears again down the fairway. Losing the upper portion of the visual field is sometimes a slow process which isn’t even perceived by the patient. Sometimes upper eyelid surgery is done in conjunction with a browlift. As men age, the brows can fall giving the patient an “angry” appearance. Raising the brows to their appropriate position restores the relaxed appearance of the face. Men have also become increasing more interested in noninvasive procedures. Botox is a purified form of botulinum toxin which is used to treat crow’s feet and wrinkles over the brow. The drug is administered as a small injection in the office and can take years off a patient’s face. Restylane is one of a number of new filler materials also administered as an injection which can be used to plump wrinkles and lines. It is also available at Aria Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery.
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