More Men are Nipping and Tucking

Plastic surgery is often associated with women and aesthetic beauty. But now, more men are getting in on the act. Move over, ladies -- make room for the men.

Newly released statistics* show that more men are getting plastic surgery. The amount of procedures performed on men was up 2% in 2010 vs. 2009.

The increase in cosmetic surgical procedures for men may be a result of baby boomers who are now ready to have plastic surgery, said American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) President Phillip Haeck, MD. "Minimally-invasive procedures such as Botox and soft tissue fillers work to a point. However, as you age and gravity takes over, surgical procedures that lift the skin are necessary in order to show significant improvement." 

Apparently, aging was a driving factor for men. Facelifts had a 14% increase year to year. It was the fastest growing procedure. The second fastest growing procedure was ear surgery at 11%.

Men may also be spurred on to undergo an elective surgery through positive reinforcement from their significant others. It’s not such a taboo subject anymore, and men are now more open to going under the knife to improve their appearance. This includes all men – not just celebs or high profilers. Who says you have to be George Clooney?

Some noteworthy stats:

• The number one procedure done by men was rhinoplasty (Worth It rating 73%, average cost $6000) with over 60,000. Eyelid surgery (Worth it rating 71%, average cost $4200) was second with over 30,000.
   
• The top minimally-invasive procedure was Botox injections (Worth it rating 64%, average cost $500) injections. This was also the number one minimally-invasive procedure for women. Over 335,000 injections were done on men. In combination, over 5 million crows feet, furrowed foreheads, and laugh lines were injected in 2010.

• Laser hair removal (Worth It rating 67%, average cost $1700) was the second minimally-invasive procedure done on men with 165,000. While laser hair removal may not be a painless procedure, we’re going to go out on a limb and say it may be more comfortable for men than say waxing. Ouch.

* Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). See more stats here.

Facelift photo: Daniel Shapiro, MD

Hair removal photo: Barry DiBernardo