Plastic surgery: not just for the ladies anymore

Popular procedures for men

Liposuction* is the most popular cosmetic procedure for men, according to the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (ASPRS). In 1998, almost 20,000 men had the procedure, which involves vacuuming fat from beneath the surface of the skin. Other common procedures for men, in order of their popularity, are eyelid surgery, nose reshaping, breast reduction, and facelifts.

"As people start to approach middle age, they become more self-conscious about their appearance, especially with today's emphasis on a fit, youthful appearance," says Dr. Forley.

*For more on the risks associated with liposuction and the importance of your surgeon's experience, see The Skinny on Liposuction.

New procedures offer more options

Today's plastic surgeons offer more options than ever before for improving a man's appearance, and many procedures have been streamlined to be less invasive, with quicker recovery times.

Laser surgeries are becoming more popular, as well as procedures that don't involve actual surgery, such as removing fat from one part of the body and injecting it into other areas to reduce fine lines.

Botox injections are another popular option. A weak botulinum toxin is injected into the muscles of the face, resulting in a more relaxed expression with fewer fine lines.

New techniques allow doctors to improve on nature in ways that weren't widely available even a decade ago. Hair implants, penile enhancement to add length and circumference to the penis, calf and pectoral implants and a form of liposuction known as abdominal sculpting are several areas of plastic surgery which have been specifically designed for men in recent years.

Coming up with the cash

The cost of plastic surgery varies widely depending on the procedure performed and where you have it done. The ASPRS reports that in 1998, average surgeon's fees ranged from $917 for fat injections in the extremities to $1817 for regular liposuction on a single site to $4,991 for a facelift. Additional fees for anesthesia, hospitalization and medications can add significantly to the cost.

Your plastic surgeon should provide a detailed accounting of estimated costs prior to surgery. Cosmetic surgery usually is not covered by medical insurance; however, some procedures, such as eyelid surgery or nose reshaping, may be partially covered if determined to be reconstructive or to correct a medical condition. Financing is often available for procedures not covered by insurance.

The range of recovery time

Aside from cost, pain and recovery time are major considerations. Though these depend on the procedure performed and the individual patient, newer procedures and medications help to lessen pain and speed healing. A simple facial peel may take only a day or two for you to return to normal activity, while extensive abdominal surgery might require several months before full activity could be resumed.

Differences between the sexes

While most plastic surgery procedures are the same for men and women, there are some physiologic differences between the sexes that surgeons must take into consideration. Men have a larger facial blood supply than women, which may result in more bleeding during facial surgery and more initial bruising.

Doctors performing facial surgery on men must consider patterns of beard and hair growth and plan carefully for the location of surgical scars, since most men don't wear makeup that can hide scars. Men generally retain their skin elasticity better as they age and the fat they store is generally firmer, so that liposuction is generally more effective for men than women.

Choosing a plastic surgeon

It is essential that your surgeon be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons and be experienced with the procedure you want. To locate a plastic surgeon in your area, call the ASPRS Plastic Surgery Information Service at 1-800-635-0635 for a list of local surgeons who are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons. This list also includes information on doctor's specialties, such as experience with liposuction, or special expertise in facial procedures.

Most plastic surgeons offer initial consultations at low or no cost to discuss your goals, your reasons for having surgery and the expected results. During the consultation, the doctor will explain various options available to achieve the results you want, provide detailed information on how the surgery is done, what to expect during the recovery period, precautions you should take, and financial considerations. Be wary of doctors who make fantastic claims, promise perfection, or fail to answer completely any questions you may have.

Les recommends talking to other patients who have undergone the same procedure you are considering. "Speaking with many people who were having the same procedure I wanted helped me to understand and know what to expect. It was much better than just getting a doctor's view," he says. "As you know, this is still a business and the doctors wants yours; he's not going to tell you all the bad points."

Is it worth it?

With today's surgical procedures, fewer people feel bound by the old rules of aging. Plastic surgery is expensive, recovery can be long, and the wrong surgeon can put you at risk for serious medical complications. Plastic surgery does offer you the option of keeping your youthful looks, but with exercise, a healthy diet, and limited sun exposure, you may accomplish this goal all by yourself.