One of the biggest obstacles men face when considering cosmetic procedures is a lack of information on the Internet. Because traditionally most cosmetic surgery patients have been women, many surgeons’ websites have content that is geared specifically to women, and this can make it difficult for men to determine what types of changes are possible for them. Given that a growing number of men are interested in cosmetic enhancement — both nationally and at our practice here in Charlotte — Dr. Garrett Harper and Dr. Robert Graper decided to answer some of the questions they hear most often from men during consultations.
Do Many Men Have Plastic Surgery?
Absolutely. The number of men seeking cosmetic enhancement has surged, especially over the past 10 years. While historically men have put less of an emphasis on their looks, societal norms have changed significantly; it is not frowned upon for a man to take pride in his appearance. Nationally, about 13% of procedures are performed on men currently. More telling is that on a survey, 31% of men said they were “extremely likely” to consider a cosmetic procedure during their lifetime, further proving that any previous stigma has shifted.
Chances are that most people already know another man who has had a cosmetic treatment. However, men are less likely to discuss this subject with their friends.
What Procedures Do Dr. Harper and Dr. Graper Perform for Male Patients?
Because men age and develop stubborn fat similar to women, this means that they can benefit from most of the surgeries that Graper Harper Cosmetic Surgery offers. The most popular include:
- Rhinoplasty
- Liposuction
- Male breast reduction
- Eyelid surgery
- Jaw reshaping
- Facelift
How Is Plastic Surgery Different for Men?
Surgical techniques are usually adjusted to account for the anatomical differences between women and men. Because men have denser muscles and thicker skin on their face, the recovery time is usually longer, making it that much more important to place incisions in easily concealed areas. As for the body, men typically prefer a toned physique that has a bit of bulk or muscle to it, which is a sharp contrast to women who usually want a thin frame. This of course changes the way body contouring procedures are approached.
Does Male Plastic Surgery “Feminize” a Man’s Appearance?
No, male plastic surgery does not typically feminize a man’s face or body. Most men request changes that enhance their existing masculinity and handsomeness. The key is to have a surgeon who has worked with many male patients, such as Dr. Harper or Dr. Graper. For example, a plastic surgeon who has only performed facelift on women may not have a great technique for maintaining a chiseled jawline like a surgeon who has done this same surgery on men. During a consultation, it is always appropriate to ask a prospective surgeon for before-and-after photos of other male patients to see the quality of their work.
Become a Younger, Handsomer Version of Yourself
At Graper Harper Cosmetic Surgery, our talented plastic surgeons have the knowledge and skills to help men like you look their best at any age. To learn more about specific procedures, schedule a consultation by calling 704-375-7111.