It’s not so much vanity as it is good business. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery now reveals that Americans spent over $12 billion on assorted procedures in 2014. One sector is on the increase. “More men are turning to aesthetic cosmetic procedures, with dramatic increases seen in both surgical and nonsurgical options over the past 5 years and a 43 percent increase overall,” the organization stated.
Since the organization began collecting statistical data in 1997, there has been a 273 percent increase in the number of procedures performed on men.
There are four types of men who often get plastic surgery, according to a Business Insider report. One seeks the photo-ready looks of a male model, another prefers to perfect on their body-building image while a third type is simply characterized as a “athletic dad,” intent on a few “daddy do-over” procedures. So says Dr. Douglas Steinbrech, a Manhattan-based plastic surgeon.
He also cites the CEO who views it all as career enhancement.
“These men are at the top of their career and they feel young and confident, but they’re worried they don’t look it,” Dr. Steinbrech told the publication. “I tell these men I want to leave a little bit of wrinkles - since wrinkles are sexy and trustworthy - and give them what I call the Forbes Facelift.”
Which typically includes necklift, eyelift, jawline recontouring, and possibly liposuction as well.
“This is not a trend we expect to see wane anytime soon. Facing a challenging and sometimes ageist job market, men, like women, are starting to consider their options to maintain a youthful appearance that exudes exuberance and energy and the full spectrum of care offered by board-certified plastic surgeons,” says Dr. James Grotting, president-elect of the The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
Meanwhile, there were over 10 million cosmetic procedures performed last year - with the greatest increase in “buttock augmentation,” up by 86 percent - along with “labiaplasty” (up 49 percent), and nonsurgical fat reduction, which has increased by 43 percent. For those who need an explanation, labiaplasty is contouring of distinctly female body parts. The group has previously cited this procedure as a “global trend” and places it in the category of “ever-evolving concept of beauty.”
Meanwhile, liposuction, breast augmentation, eyelid surgery, tummy tucks and nose surgery - all longtime fixtures in the field - are the top five procedures for men and women overall. But men have their favorites. Blepharoplasty - an eyelid, lift, essentially - plus male breast reduction and facelifts are the top three procedures.
• Jennifer Harper can be reached at jharper@washingtontimes.com.
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