Think about the cosmetic hoops women have traditionally jumped through. Makeup, shaving their legs, and changing hairstyles are all part of the routine. Men, on the other hand, have had more of a “take-it-or-leave-it” attitude. Judging by the number of men coming in for a face lift or other procedures at my Chicago practice, it appears that’s changing.
It’s not just Chicago. Statistics kept by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons® show that men underwent nearly 25% more cosmetic procedures in 2012 than they did in 2000. Why are more men pursuing cosmetic changes? Social media sites certainly have a lot to do with the changes.
Innovations such as Facebook and Skype, of course, emphasize someone’s facial appearance. Wrinkles or baggy eyes you might not have noticed in the past now seem significant. Online dating is another reason. The first impression a potential partner sees is often a profile picture that does little to camouflage any flaws someone might have.
Men are also feeling pressure to look more youthful in a competitive job market. Someone who looks energetic and vigorous is more likely to get a job than a candidate who appears tired. Because men are generally more private about any cosmetic work they have done, injectables such as BOTOX® Cosmetic or dermal fillers are popular because they create subtle changes with no downtime necessary.
Rhinoplasty and eyelid surgery are other procedures men often choose. A man’s face poses different challenges for a plastic surgeon than a woman’s. Thicker skin and beard growth patterns are among those, along with the desire to maintain a masculine appearance with strong features such as a pronounced jawline. An experienced plastic surgeon employs unique surgical techniques to account for these different factors.
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