So much for John Wayne and the masculinity of yore. More men than ever before are getting cosmetic surgery, according to new statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
From 2009 to 2010, facelifts for men increased 14 percent and male liposuction increased 7 percent. Eleven percent more men also underwent ear-shaping surgery and male breast reduction increased 6 percent.
The data show that this year alone, the American male population underwent more than 1.1 million vanity procedures.
According to Dr. Stephen Baker, an ASPS member surgeon from Washington, D.C., most of the men coming in for “touch ups” are baby boomers.
“They want to look good. So when they have the financial means to do it, they are ready to do it now,” Baker said.
ASPS President Dr. Phillip Haeck contends that in order for these aging men to see a real improvement in their physical appearance, they must go under the knife.
“The growth in cosmetic surgical procedures for men may be a product of our aging baby boomers who are now ready to have plastic surgery,” said Haeck. “Minimally-invasive procedures such as Botox and soft tissue fillers work to a point. However, as you age and gravity takes over, surgical procedures that lift the skin are necessary in order to show significant improvement.”
Despite the increase in men seeking superficial betterment, women still make up the vast majority of cosmetic patients — 91 percent of all plastic surgeries. From 2009-2010, the total number of cosmetic surgeries increased five percent to 13.1 million. That number does not include the 5.3 million reconstructive procedures that occurred during that same time period.
2010 Top Five Male Cosmetic Surgical Procedures
1. Nose Reshaping (64,000)
2. Eyelid Surgery (31,000)
3. Liposuction (24,000)
4. Breast Reduction in Men (18,000)
5. Hair Transplantation (13,000)
2010 Top Five Male Cosmetic Minimally-Invasive Procedures
1. Botulinum Toxin Type A (337,000)
2. Laser Hair Removal (165,000)
3. Microdermabrasion (158,000)
4. Chemical Peel (90,000)
5. Soft Tissue Fillers (78,000)