(ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Illinois) – Body confidence is an issue most often talked about among women, but a new report shows an increase in men exploring their options to gain a better body image. New statistics released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons confirm that more men are having cosmetic procedures, with over 1.3 million procedures performed on men last year.
“More men are talking to each other about plastic surgery and the results they’re seeing, and as the stigma drops, men are coming in to talk about which procedures might be right for them,” said Lorelei Grunwaldt, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Pittsburgh.
Dr. Grunwaldt says a lot of young men are looking for body contouring surgeries. The data shows that procedures such as liposuction and tummy tucks have had a boost in popularity among men over the past five years, while male breast reductions have increased about 30 percent in that time. “It’s a common misconception that men are unaffected by body issues. A lot of men can’t get the results they want through diet and exercise alone, and it can take a real toll on their self-esteem,” she said. “I can see the relief on their faces when I explain the range of procedures that can help them achieve their goals.”
While younger men tend to focus on body contouring, older men are gravitating to minimally-invasive procedures such as Botox and fillers. “Some men are looking for a more youthful look to stay competitive in the workplace, commonly known as the ‘executive edge,’” said Jeffrey Janis, MD, President of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. “But more often, I think it’s about wanting to look the way they feel. They want to look in the mirror and recognize themselves, and that’s where a board-certified plastic surgeon can help.”
