Cosmetic Surgery: It’s Not Just for Women

There are many preconceived notions of the "type" of person who gets plastic surgery. Perhaps you picture a woman from Beverly Hills with huge lips getting tummy tucks, facelifts, and of course, more and more Botox. However, plastic surgery isn't a luxury reserved for the rich and famous. Nor is it solely the domain of women. In the last 20 years, plastic surgery in men has risen an impressive 28 percent. Let's take a deeper dive into what kind of work men are getting done and why.

What's popular

The most popular surgery for men varies by age, but overall men tend to gravitate toward body contouring. Procedures such as a rhinoplasty, or a nose job, tend to be a popular choice among men. This is considered a contour procedure as it restructures the size and shape of the nose. As men get older, they also often get eye lifts or entire facelifts, something they have in common with older women. Hair transplants are also quite common among men.

Another popular form of body contouring is liposuction, one of the most sought-after surgeries among women. Men who fear the beer belly or dad bod look want to avoid love handles and pudgy bellies. Male breast reduction and pectoral implants are other common ways of keeping a younger-looking physique.

Modern perceptions

Men feel some of the same pressures to look as good as women, and for some no number of deadlifts or crunches will deliver the muscle tone they want, where they want it. We all have insecurities about our bodies or faces, and we all deserve the opportunity to make changes we want. Old stigmas and taboos around plastic surgery are a thing of the past. The new standard is to look and feel your best in whatever way is healthy, affordable and positive for you.

Don't forget the genitals

Though not everyone is aware, genital plastic surgery is another option for men. For instance, a penile elongation procedure lengthens the appearance of the penis and a penile girth enhancement moves fatty tissue from another area of the body to the penis, making the penis thicker.

While these surgery options stem from aesthetic choices and insecurities, as opposed to health reasons, there can be considerable, tangible health benefits. Confidence is proven to enhance libido, and a consistent, healthy sex life leads to a longer, healthier life in both men and women. Boosting confidence with genital plastic surgery—or any cosmetic surgery—could, therefore, lead to greater health and longevity.

Similarly, men who have had a testicle removed from diseases such as cancer or through an accident can get testicular implants. Though the implants are purely aesthetic, the confidence boost of having two testicles again could make the difference in their relationships and even in being able to impregnate their partner.

The double-edged knife of keeping up appearances

Women have long been inundated with images of perfect bodies in the media, but it's time we all recognize men are similarly accosted by pictures of ideal male specimens. Broad shoulders, sculpted chins, six-pack abs, powerful pecs and of course, the perfect penis—so many expectations set us up for the self-conscious self-reflection that can eventually lead to plastic surgery.

The similarities in data for male and female plastic surgery procedures show a desire to look younger and contour the body, while men tend to also look for muscle definition. In the end, just as with women, there is nothing wrong with men wanting to change their appearance, and thankfully, the knee-jerk negative responses to plastic surgery are diminishing with each passing year.