Recent statistics released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) indicate that the number of American men who had cosmetic procedures in 2010 increased by 2 percent over the previous year. With over 1 million cosmetic procedures performed on men last year, this means an increase of more than 20,000 procedures. The numbers also reflect the changing priorities and perspectives of American men.
There was a decline in rhinoplasty, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion, although these procedures remain among the most popular. The most popular surgical procedure is rhinoplasty, and the most popular minimally invasive procedure is Botox.
Here are the top 10 surgical procedures that increased in popularity among men last year:
- Facelift (14% increase)
- Ear Surgery (Otoplasty) (11% increase)
- Soft Tissue Fillers (10% increase)
- Botulinum Toxin Type A (9% increase)
- Liposuction (7% increase)
- Breast Reduction (6% increase)
- Eyelid Surgery (4% increase)
- Dermabrasion (4% increase)
- Laser Hair Removal (4% increase)
- Laser Treatment of Leg Veins (4% increase)
The rising popularity of facelifts lies mostly among men in their 50s and 60s. As the baby boomer generation ages, men often find that even healthy lifestyles can’t prevent sagging neck skin. The increase of breast reduction surgery means that more men under 30 are no longer willing to be embarrassed by their large breasts.
But don’t think that the growing popularity of cosmetic surgery among men comes from celebrities and elites. Dr. Stephen Baker, an ASPS member from Washington, D.C. who is quoted in the report, says that the typical male cosmetic patient is “an average guy who wants to look as good as he feels…. Most of my patients are ‘men’s men,’ the kind of guy you might not think would have plastic surgery.”