male cosmetic surgery statistics

For many years, there was a misconception that body image and appearance were concerns held exclusively by women. The truth is, this was never the case. However, it’s clearer now than ever before that men are willing to do what it takes to keep themselves looking and feeling their best as they age. Recent statistics released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) back this up. According to their numbers, more than 1.3 million cosmetic procedures were performed on male patients in the US last year alone. But how do we explain this recent increase in the prevalence of male plastic surgery patients?

To help understand why more men are using cosmetic surgery procedures to improve their appearance, let’s dig into the ASPS statistics. Among male patients, the demand for body contouring procedures has been steadily increasing annually for years. Common body contouring surgeries for men like liposuction (up 23%) and tummy tucks (up 12%) have experienced significant increases over the past five years. Male breast reduction surgery to treat the effects of gynecomastia have increased by about 30% over the same timeframe.

Male cosmetic procedures for the face are also considerably more in-demand today than they were five years ago. Eyelid surgery (or blepharoplasty) has become very popular with men who want to refresh the appearance of their face and treat tired-looking eyes. Non-surgical cosmetic facial injections provide men who may not have the time or inclination to undergo a plastic surgery procedure with a non-surgical aesthetic alternative. Last year, almost 100,000 men had dermal filler injections, a 99% increase from the year 2000. Botox® Cosmetic injections have also quadrupled in popularity with men over this time.

Based on these statistics, it’s clear that many male patients pursue cosmetic surgery as a way to turn back the clock and fight the visible signs of aging. This makes sense. It’s important for guys to look and feel young to help compete in the increasingly young and competitive corporate world. The development of surgical techniques specifically intended to treat male patients has certainly contributed. These special techniques for common procedures like eyelid surgery help reassure guys that they will be able to improve their look without sacrificing any of their natural masculinity. Additionally, discretion is a primary consideration of many of the male patients I work with. Advancements in the field of plastic surgery now help plastic surgeons provide the subtle, natural-looking aesthetic results that male patients tend to prefer.

Men who wish to improve a specific aspect of their appearance have no shortage of excellent options. As a double board-certified plastic surgeon who has been performing cosmetic procedures for over 25 years, it has been wonderful to see so many male patients embrace plastic surgery and the incredible results that it can provide. To learn more about plastic surgery for men or if you would like to schedule your cosmetic surgery consultation today, please contact me, Dr. Frank Elliott. You can also follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for additional plastic surgery tips, videos, and more.