Plastic surgery for men can be very different from plastic surgery for women. Most men seek a body that is muscular, toned, and athletic, with bulging shoulders and a defined chest leading down to a flat stomach and narrow hips; women, on the other hand, may focus primarily on creating an hourglass figure or looking at ways to preserve their youthful glow.
Plastic surgery for men has experienced a surge in popularity—in fact, according to The American Society of Plastic Surgeons, over the last five years there has been a 23% increase in male liposuction procedures and a 12% increase in male tummy tucks.
Dr. Leo Lapuerta, a triple-board-certified plastic surgeon with over two decades of experience in Houston, Katy, and Pearland, Texas, has seen a huge increase in plastic surgery for men in recent years. Many first-time male patients tend to have very little knowledge about cosmetic procedures, so Dr. Lapuerta has compiled this list of 7 things every man should know about plastic surgery.
1. The Most Common Plastic Surgery for Men Is a Nose Job
A nose job, or rhinoplasty, is the most common plastic surgery for men, with over 52,000 men undergoing the procedure in 2018. A rhinoplasty is an excellent option for any man who is unhappy with the shape, size, or positioning of his nose, allowing him to improve his facial appearance.
2. The Most Common Cosmetic Procedure for Men
The most common non-surgical cosmetic procedure for men is Botox® injections. Botox is an excellent treatment that can get rid of visible signs of aging, including wrinkles and fine lines. One of the main appeals of Botox is how simple and easy the procedure is—as many patients are in and out of the office in as little as 15 minutes!
3. Liposuction Is a Very Effective Treatment for Men
One key difference between men and women’s bodies is that men’s skin retains elasticity and collagen production longer than women. Men also have areas of fat under the skin that are more firm and vascular than the same areas for women. As a result, liposuction tends to be incredibly effective for men, helping them remove any excess fat to drastically improve their appearance.
4. Facial Surgery Considerations for Men
Any man considering facial surgery needs to take their facial hair into account. For example, if a man is planning on undergoing a facelift, the plastic surgeon will first need to examine their facial hair, investigating whether the man has a receding hairline, sideburns, or any other facial hair patterns that may not necessarily be uniform across the entire face.
For men who are bald or have thinning hair, it will be more difficult for the plastic surgeon to hide facelift incision scars. Usually, facelift incisions will be made in an area that would be hidden by hair, either behind the ears or near the temples, so a unique approach needs to be taken for bald men. As for facial hair, men with thick beards may have to shave behind their ears and the back of their neck following facelift surgery. This is due to the loose skin being pulled behind the patient’s ears, which may include skin that grows hair.
5. Plastic Surgery for Men to Reduce Chest Size
Many men develop excess tissue in their chest during puberty. This condition, known as gynecomastia, causes the chest to overdevelop, resulting in an appearance that is closer to a woman’s breasts than a taut pec. Luckily, there is plastic surgery to treat gynecomastia, in which the plastic surgeon will remove all excess fat and tissue, resulting in a more masculine appearance.
6. Do Not Shave Following a Facial Peel or Dermabrasion
A facial peel and dermabrasion are two excellent non-surgical cosmetic treatments that can result in smoother, more vibrant skin. The procedures aim to remove the outermost layer of skin, revealing the more youthful and healthy skin lying beneath the surface. This new layer of skin can be quite sensitive for a few weeks following the procedure, so men will be instructed to avoid shaving for about three weeks following treatment.
7. Muscle-Enhancing Plastic Surgery for Men
Muscle-enhancing plastic surgeries that involves placing implants or sculpting existing tissue to appear more muscular have become increasingly popular in recent years. These plastic surgeries can help give men the muscle definition they crave, resulting in realistic-looking and feeling muscles. Some of the most popular muscle-enhancing surgeries include calf implants to provide lower leg fullness, pectoral implants to add bulk to the chest, and abdominal etching that can give men the infamously sought-after six-pack.
Plastic Surgery for Men: Get a Consultation with Dr. Lapuerta
Plastic surgery for men is on the rise, and men in Houston, Katy, or Pearland, Texas, who are interested in plastic surgery or other cosmetic treatments should schedule a consultation with Dr. Lapuerta. Dr. Lapuerta has 20 years of experience performing plastic surgery for men, and he is an expert in partnering with men to help them reach their aesthetic goals. For those who are interested in learning more or would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lapuerta, contact us today.