Why do more men opt for cosmetic procedures?

 In today’s fiercely competitive job market, research shows an increased demand for cosmetic procedures among men hoping that a fresh look will improve their chances of advancing their careers. While men are seeking the same treatments women have long embraced, dermatologists find the distinct differences between men’s and women’s skin biology, facial anatomy and aging process play a role as to why genders have different rejuvenation needs.

Cosmetic surgery used to be as female a territory as handbags and Jimmy Choo shoes. But hot on the heels of Tamara Mellon’s debut collection of male footwear comes news that men are also muscling in on ‘drastic’ surgery.

Figures from the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons show that, over the last year, the number of men requesting correction of ‘man boobs’ increased by 28%.

Male nose jobs went up by 13%, face lifts by 12%, eyelid surgery by 6% and liposuction by 5%. The Harley Medical Group report a similar surge in male cosmetic procedures, with the first quarter of 2011 seeing a 32% rise compared with last year. They also report an increase in the number of men seeking Botox and fillers (up 30%), microdermabrasion and skin peels (115% increase), Botox injections for excessive sweating (up 56%) and lip fillers (up 28%).

According to surgeon Mr Riccardo Frati, ‘Cosmetic treatments for men, to help combat the effects of ageing, stress and a busy lifestyle, are an increasingly popular trend at The Harley Medical Group. Men are feeling more comfortable to book in for treatments and the idea of cosmetic surgery for men, is now far more acceptable than it was five years ago.’

The most popular cosmetic procedures among men:

• Rhinoplasty (nose jobs)
• Breast Reduction
• Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery)
• Otoplasty (for protruding ears)
• Liposuction
• Face/Neck Lift
• Brow lifts
• Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)

Lee’s Story

I used to be overweight as a kid but through healthy eating and exercise I managed to lose the excess weight. However, no matter how hard I tried I couldn’t get rid of the fatty tissue around my chest which really affected my confidence. I visited a doctor who told me I had gynaecomastia which meant that the excess fat on my chest wouldn’t be reduced through diet and exercise. After a lot of research I decided to opt for male breast reduction surgery at The Harley Medical Group. Since having the surgery I feel much better about the way I look and my confidence has rocketed. I couldn’t be happier with the results.