Even if men aren’t talking about plastic surgery, statistics tell the story—the number of men undergoing cosmetic surgery and nonsurgical treatments has steadily increased in the past 10 to 20 years. It’s not a coincidence that selfies, dating apps, and video conference calls all became part of our social and professional lives during that same time.
An 18-year analysis of men’s interest in aesthetic surgery published in May 2023 documents the increasing number of men getting plastic surgery. As one of the top board-certified plastic surgeons in Los Angeles, I’ve seen this change firsthand as the taboo that once prevented men from seeking plastic surgery eroded. This blog post delves into the surge in plastic surgery for men and explores the reasons behind this trend. We’ll also highlight the most popular procedures and explain the nuanced techniques I use for my male patients. And throughout the post, you can see plastic surgery for men before and after photos showcasing some of my actual patients.
Why Do Men Get Plastic Surgery?
Traditionally, a stigma about having “work done” to look more youthful or to sculpt a leaner figure prevented many men from pursuing cosmetic treatments. Evolving social norms, coupled with the rise of social media, have led to more and more men recognizing the benefits of aesthetic plastic surgery.
The emergence and continued evolution of minimally invasive treatments that require little to no downtime has also changed the landscape for men seeking a cosmetic boost. Injectables such as fillers and BOTOX®—nicknamed “Brotox” because of its popularity among men—and laser skin rejuvenation all shave years off a man’s appearance without the need for time off work.
Popular Plastic Surgery Procedures for Men
While men and women share an interest in many procedures, such as facelifts, rhinoplasty, and liposuction, they typically have different goals for their results. Here are some of the most common procedures men are getting:
Liposuction
I use a comprehensive liposuction procedure to sculpt and redefine the physique of my male liposuction patients. Abdominal etching with liposuction is a popular technique among men who spend hours at the gym but can’t get the six-pack abs they want. Some men benefit from 360-degree power-assisted liposuction, a technique that sculpts the abdomen, love handles, and buttocks to reveal a patient’s natural anatomy.
Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia Surgery)
Men with excess breast tissue are often embarrassed by the appearance of their breasts. Male breast reduction surgery involves removing excess glandular tissue and fat by surgical excision or liposuction. I customize each procedure to create a flatter, more masculine chest.
Rhinoplasty
A masculine nose is typically larger and slightly longer than the “ideal” feminine nose, and an experienced plastic surgeon tailors the surgery to avoid making the male nose too narrow or short. Men and women equally share concerns about dorsal humps on the nose bridge, but men often have thicker nose skin, which complicates the procedure.
Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
Hooded, sagging upper eyelids are one of the most common concerns men share as they age. Upper eyelid surgery is a relatively straightforward procedure that can erase years from a man’s appearance and create a more rested and alert appearance. Lower eyelid surgery can minimize under-eye bags and is often combined with upper blepharoplasty.
Facelift
Even though male skin typically doesn’t show signs of aging as early as female skin, men still develop wrinkles, and their skin loses its elasticity. Most male facelift patients want natural-looking results that retain their masculinity, with an angular jawline and prominent chin. Performing a facelift for a man also requires the surgeon to make incisions that don’t affect the sideburns.
Chin Augmentation
Most people believe a “strong,” prominent chin is desirable for a man’s face. Men with recessed or “weak” chins can augment this feature with synthetic implants. I insert the customized implant through a small incision under the chin. Some patients also combine rhinoplasty with a chin implant to create harmonious results.
If you’re a man considering plastic surgery or nonsurgical cosmetic treatments for the face or body, Dr. Stoker is one of the most sought-after plastic surgeons in the Los Angeles area by men and women alike. You can use the online form to request a consultation or call our Marina del Rey practice at (310) 300-1779 to schedule an appointment.
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