Breaking Barriers: The Male Cosmetic Surgery Stigma is Disappearing
Many men have long held an unfavorable opinion of cosmetic treatments and surgeries, viewing such measures as vain or unmanly. However, that stigma is quickly disappearing as a record number of men are choosing to indulge in various types of cosmetic procedures (both surgical and non-surgical).
This article covers some of the industry’s most commonly sought-out services for men today. From BOTOX to a chest reduction, there are too many benefits to ignore any longer.
BOTOX
BOTOX is used to reduce the appearance of brow furrows, crow’s feet, or lines and wrinkles around the forehead and mouth by relaxing the muscle in which it’s injected. The neurotoxin causes the skin that covers the muscle to soften, creating a more relaxed, youthful appearance. The best part? BOTOX delivers immediate results that last up to 3 months. But of course, the more you use these products, the longer their effects last.
Most often, men opt to get BOTOX to help reduce wrinkles and create a more relaxed appearance. It can be used as a corrective skincare treatment, or preventively to remain “refreshed” looking. Outside of cosmetic benefits, it can also be used to counteract excessive sweating and tight muscles— two common problems many men run into.
Chemical Peels
Another common cosmetic treatment for men is a chemical peel. Peels are gaining huge momentum among the male audience because of the many advantages they have on all types of skin. Chemical peels (which vary in strength) use acidic solutions to treat the skin of common problems, such as redness, dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles, texture inconsistencies, acne scars, and more.
On the gentlest end, chemical peels exfoliate the skin. This treatment is known as a superficial peel and can improve mild discoloration and rough-textured skin on the face, neck, chest, or hands. It’s a fairly quick procedure and is non-invasive, which is another contributing factor to its growing popularity among men who value good skincare, but don’t necessarily want “work done.”
Laser Resurfacing
With similar benefits to a chemical peel, laser resurfacing is a cosmetic treatment that reduces damage to the skin and helps improve your overall appearance. The biggest difference? This procedure uses beams of light rather than chemicals. Your Aesthetician or Surgeon will pinpoint inconsistencies in your skin and use the laser to send short, concentrated pulsating beams of light at the problem area.
Men have enjoyed this procedure for many reasons, such as its ability to correct skin irregularities (like acne scarring and dark spots) and its precise, quick results. These treatments vary in strength and results, but typically produce firm, smooth skin in a non-invasive way.
Gynecomastia Surgery (Male Breast Reduction)
For many men, the feminine appearance brought on by enlarged or drooping breasts can make it difficult to enjoy every day life. Their chest becomes a source of embarrassment or shame, causing them to avoid activities like swimming, working out, and clothes shopping.
If you struggle with large breasts, you are not alone. Though it may not always feel like it, it’s a common problem for men of all ages and sizes. The enlargement of the male breast is called gynecomastia, and it’s easily treatable.
Gynecomastia can occur at any age and for a variety of reasons, including hormonal shifts, obesity, hereditary factors, and the use of certain medications. The surgery to treat this condition is known as Reductive Mammaplasty. Men who are unhappy with their breast size, cannot correct the condition with other treatments, and who are in relatively good health tend to be good candidates for this procedure.
In fact, with minimal scarring and little downtime, many men who choose to have Gynecomastia Surgery even say they wish they’d done it sooner.
Liposuction and Tummy Tucks
Liposuction and Abdominoplasties (otherwise known as Tummy Tucks) are other surgical options for men who want to improve their appearance. Maybe they want a toned, sculpted body, but they’re left feeling disappointed after trying diets and exercise.
These two commonly-performed procedures are great solutions to the “pooch problem” and drooping skin many men experience. If you have stubborn, excess weight you’d like to get rid of, or if you’ve lost a significant amount of weight and are now bothered by the loose skin, one or both of these procedures may be right for you.
Both Liposuction and Tummy Tucks work to improve the body’s profile by removing excess fat cells and skin. In most cases, these procedures help restore muscle strength and create a smooth, firm look for the treated areas.
Keep in mind that both liposuction and tummy tucks are best used in combination with other measures that promote a healthy lifestyle, and that post-surgery fluctuations in weight will reduce the procedures’ effectiveness.
Men… We’re Here for You
Aside from these common treatments and procedures, there are numerous other options for men looking to improve their appearance. Odds are, if it’s negatively impacting how you feel about yourself, it can be fixed. Rhinoplasties (nose surgery), otoplasties (reshaping of cartilage in the ear), facelifts, and blepharoplasties (eyelid rejuvenation) are just a few examples of other procedures that benefit men on a daily basis.
Above all else, we want our patients, male AND female, to know they’ve chosen the best Surgeon and procedure for their body. Though all procedures come with their own rewards and risks, we aim to make your experience as comfortable and easy on the body as possible— in a judgement-free zone!
For more information on our services and how they can benefit your body, give us a call at (865) 218-6210 or schedule a personalized consultation today.