© 2008-2010 Dr. Glynn Bolitho, M.D.
Plastic surgeons are seeing a noticeable increase in the number of men who are undergoing plastic surgery, as a combination of aging and the forces of gravity encourage them to consider making cosmetic improvements to their appearances.
As an example, statistics compiled by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons show that the number of facelifts performed on men in 1992 was 2,805. By 2001, that number grew six fold to nearly 12,000 cases.
Men are now becoming aware that plastic surgery can help them restore or maintain a youthful looking appearance.
The areas of the body in which men are showing the greatest interest, according to leading San Diego plastic surgeon, Glynn Bolitho, M.D., are the face, neck, abdomen, and breasts. These are areas where fat and loose, elastic skin tends to gather, giving the appearance of less muscle definition and the telltale signs of aging.
The reasons for the upsurge in interest is the fact that there is an increased overall awareness about plastic surgery and its benefits, and men now happen to be part of that phenomenon. Perhaps following the lead of women, men are now becoming aware that plastic surgery can help them restore or maintain a youthful looking appearance, which can be important as they compete against their younger counterparts in the business world.
"There is a perception, correct or not, that older looking people are not as up to date or in step as they should be, or they are less efficient in their ability to be productive," Bolitho said. "The reality is that plastic surgery can help alter people's perceptions by keeping men and women youthful looking. It can also improve the way people feel about themselves and boost their self-esteem. When people look younger, they feel younger and more full of life."
Many of the procedures that are used for cosmetic surgery in men are largely the same as those used for women, but there are technical differences due to the composition of the man's body. Men's skin is thicker than women's, there is more musculature to take into consideration, and the facial skin contains hair, meaning the blood supply to the face is greater for a man than for a woman. That can result in more bleeding for men, but it also can mean faster and more complete healing.
For men who have a fatty or jowly area under the chin, liposuction may be sufficient to correct the problem. However, a full face lift or neck lift may be needed, which involves the removal of excess skin and a tightening of the muscles that run down each side of the neck.
Plastic surgery can improve the way people feel about themselves and boost their self-esteem. When people look younger, they feel younger and more full of life.
As men age, areas of fat can accumulate around the abdomen, the flanks or "love handles," the breast area, and along the neck and chin. Liposuction can remove these fatty areas that often prove resistant to diet and exercise, and can be very effective, particularly in men, due to the fact that men retain their skin elasticity longer than women, and the areas of fat beneath the skin are firmer and more vascular.
Men who experience loose, hanging skin or areas of excess fat may consider an excision procedure in addition to liposuction. This excision procedure, or skin removal, is sometimes performed on male patients with enlarged breasts, a condition called gynecomastia.
Men who have hanging abdominal skin, loose abdominal muscles or neglected hernias may choose an abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, to correct the condition. It is a major surgical procedure that removes excess fat, tightens the abdominal wall muscles, and trims the waistline. Men who have only a moderate amount of excess fat and good skin elasticity may avoid the surgery and benefit from liposuction alone.
One of the more critical elements in planning plastic surgery involves good communication between the patient and the doctor. During the initial consultation, the patient is asked to explain in detail why the procedure should be performed and what results are expected. The patient should feel comfortable that the surgeon understands the reasons and expectations, and is in complete agreement with them.
The surgeon will also evaluate the patient's health, conduct a physical, take pre-operative photos and explain the surgical techniques that are most appropriate. Additionally, the surgeon will discuss the anesthesia that will be used, the facility where the surgery will take place, the risks involved and the cost.
In order to obtain the best possible results from surgery, it's important to strictly follow the surgeon's post-operative orders. That includes rest, wearing bandages, avoiding sun exposure, refraining from alcohol or tobacco, and no strenuous activity. Following these suggestions will improve the patient's chances for a quick recovery and provide for the best possible results.
© 2008-2010 Dr. Glynn Bolitho, M.D.
