A men’s guide to plastic surgery

You might have heard of “Brotox,” the growing trend that sees men receiving in-office, injectable cosmetic treatments to defy the effects of aging—but that’s not the whole story. 

Though women still account for 98 percent of the plastic surgery procedures in the United States, men received 1.3 million procedures in 2017, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), a number that has been climbing steadily for the last decade. 

“Plastic surgery isn’t just for women,” says Dr. Christopher Sanders, a plastic surgeon at Geisinger. “Men are just as likely to have problem areas that they would like to fix, and decreasing stigma around men’s grooming and self-care makes them feel more comfortable seeking out services.” 

Common types of plastic surgery for men

The most popular cosmetic plastic surgery procedures for men include eyelid rejuvenation, neck lifts, rhinoplasty, chin augmentation and liposuction. Here’s a rundown of those procedures, and what you can expect.

• Eyelid rejuvenation corrects loose skin around the upper eyelids, crow’s feet and fat deposits above and below the eyes, all of which come with age and from time spent in front of a computer screen. These issues can make you look furrowed, tired and older than you are. During the procedure, your surgeon will remove fat deposits from the area and reposition the tissue to create a tighter and more youthful look. 
  
  
• Neck lifts have a similar effect on the skin of the neckline and under the chin. Both men and women experience a drooping of the skin under the neck and chin as they age, which can be corrected with surgical tightening techniques. 
  
  
• Chin augmentation through bone shaping or implants can enhance the jawline, creating a stronger and more masculine look. Recovery from this procedure can take as long as two months.
  
  

• Liposuction, or the surgical removal of excess fat, has maintained its popularity with both men and women since its invention in the 1970s. The procedure can be performed in many ways, but almost always involves a contouring tool and may require skin tightening.

Plastic surgery procedure and recovery

Once you know what your goals are for a cosmetic procedure, it’s important to find a surgeon who is board certified in plastic surgery and have a conversation with your doctor about the risks, specific procedures and recovery. 

“Just like any other surgery, a patient must be healthy to be a candidate,” explains Dr. Sanders. “If you’re a smoker or have increased risk factors due to conditions like obesity, you might need to make some lifestyle changes before getting surgery.” 

Mental health is also an important consideration for plastic surgery and patient’s must be prepared for the change in body image that comes after surgery.  While this change is overwhelmingly positive, patients may also become frustrated when their results don’t immediately appear. With liposuction, for example, it’s normal to take several weeks or even months to see the final result. Therefore, it is very important to have a discussion with your surgeon of your expectations and to have an understanding of the timeline of recovery before surgery to ensure you have the best results possible, both physically and mentally.

“It’s important to remember that cosmetic surgery is still a surgical procedure. With that, recovery can take a few days, or a few months, and require regular contact with your doctor,” notes Dr. Sanders. “Depending on the type of surgery, you may also need to limit your activity level.” 

“Post-op appointments are very important to ensure that your healing is progressing as expected and that you are well-adjusting to your results,” Dr. Sanders adds. “This is also an excellent time to ask any questions you may have and express any concerns with your recovery.”

Considering cosmetic or plastic surgery? Geisinger is here to help you look and feel your best

If you’re thinking about a cosmetic or reconstructive procedure to enhance your physical appearance, Geisinger’s plastic surgeons are here to help develop a personalized treatment plan based on your unique needs. Geisinger plastic surgeons, offer the latest surgical and non-surgical treatment options in a comfortable, state-of-the-art setting. 

To make an appointment or schedule a consultation with a Geisinger plastic surgeon, call 800-675-2401 or visit Geisinger.org.