By: Scott Green, M.D.

Statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) seem to suggest that fewer men are receiving plastic surgery, and that more men are instead turning to nonsurgical procedures.

These stats may represent what’s happening nationwide, but over the past 5 years I have not seen a dramatic drop in the number of men coming in for surgical consultations at my Sacramento plastic surgery practice. In fact, I think men are more interested in cosmetic surgery than ever before.

The Truth Behind the Numbers

Like many of the Sacramento plastic surgeons I talk with, I’ve found that the ASPS stats don’t paint the full picture when it comes to men and plastic surgery, at least in the Northern California area. While men certainly are learning more about non-surgical cosmetic options, the reality is that many men, particularly those in the baby boom generation, need or will need surgical procedures to achieve their ideal appearance. I believe that any nationwide decline in male plastic surgery is a temporary drop, because there are many reasons why men young and old will continue to find that cosmetic surgery is the right option for them.

Male Plastic Surgery Motivations

Men are unique, and while both men and women in Sacramento choose plastic surgery to help build confidence and regain a more youthful face and body, men often have different motivations for considering cosmetic surgery. For men, physical presentation often has a direct impact on attitude and outlook, with competition being an important part of their professional and social lives. Cosmetic surgery can be a way for them to maintain their edge in both worlds.

As they age, many men feel that they are perceived as less dynamic, less hip, less in the know. Procedures such as a brow lift or liposuction can be an excellent way for men to minimize the signs of age, allowing them to regain and a younger form and perceive themselves as more energetic. And when they see themselves that way, other people often share their positive attitude.

In the business world, men must interact and often compete with younger coworkers. In a competitive environment, a more energetic and assertive appearance will often reinforce a man’s personal presence and positively support the ways clients perceive his work.

Physical fitness is also very important to a man’s self-perceptions, but as men age they often begin to notice excess flab and a tired, worn-out look, even if they take good care of themselves. Because plastic surgery in Sacramento can remove fat tissue and make skin tighter and firmer, procedures like liposuction or a facelift often improve how fit a man appears, and as a result change the ways he interacts with other people.

The Younger Crowd

The desire to look handsome certainly is not limited to older men, and neither is the rising interest in plastic surgery. Like other Sacramento plastic surgeons, lately I am seeing a more men in their 20’s who are considering male breast reduction to address an overly large, feminine chest or otoplasty to de-emphasize prominent ears. Obviously, more men in this younger age group are good candidates for minimally-invasive procedures such as BOTOX® Cosmetic, and the increased interest in cosmetic procedures among younger men may be why the ASPS is reporting a steady increase in non-surgical cosmetic services among males.

Men present challenges to plastic surgeons because they differ in their approach to surgery as well as in their motivations. Sometimes they fail to maintain open communication with the doctor, neglecting to attend follow-up appointments or to call the doctor if something doesn’t seem quite right. As plastic surgery practices continue to see more male patients, I expect to see many surgeons take a different approach to reach out to this segment of the patient population and ensure long-term success.