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Men & Women Have Different Approaches to Cosmetic Surgery

An annual study by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) reveals that there has been a 60 percent increase in men and 30 percent increase in women electing to have cosmetic procedures since 2000. What procedures are most popular based on gender?

Men tackle their appearance
Men are undergoing facial rejuvenation to look and feel younger. Many want a quick turn around so that they can swiftly return to work. It was once unthinkable for men to admit to having a little work done, but not anymore. Fortunately, there are many facial cosmetic procedure options—ranging from simple, non-surgical treatments such as chemical peels and Botox to surgical procedures, such as hair restoration—that can help reduce the signs of aging and improve a man’s appearance and self-image.

It’s no surprise that men are eager to look younger and more fit. According to the AAFPRS, men have an ever-increasing interest in cosmetic surgery and it is promising to see that like women, men are taking advantage of the many benefits that these procedures have to offer. The top non-invasive procedures include BOTOX® and other filler injections; top surgical procedures include hair restoration and ablative skin resurfacing.

Botox. Botox injections have become a popular way to reduce the appearance of crow’s feet and furrowed brows. It is administered via tiny injections into the overactive muscles that cause lines to form. Botox can soften wrinkles around the eyes and between the brows and may last up to four months. An increase of 162 percent since 2001 shows that patients appreciate the quick, easy treatment with low risk and immediate, youthful results.

Filler and fat injections. Men chose to add youthful fullness and reduce the signs of wrinkles by receiving non-invasive filler injections by an increase of 47 percent. Injections reported commonly used include fat, calcium hydroxyapetite, hyaluronic acid, and poly-L-Lactic acid. Although the injections provide immediate results, it is not a permanent solution. “You cannot beat the convenience of running over on your lunch hour and coming back a new, younger looking man,” says Steve K., a salesperson who believes his appearance is directly tied to his success in his career.

Hair restoration. Over the last year, there has been an increase in hair transplant surgery by 17 percent. Follicular unit transplantation entails your surgeon taking a strip of hair-bearing scalp, dividing it into several hundred smaller grafts (follicular units), and then inserting these units—preserving blood vessels and tissue—into small needle-sized sites in the recipient area. The procedure may take several sessions over several months to achieve desired results.

Ablative skin resurfacing. The most notable increase in this study was men having ablative skin resurfaceing by 417 percent since 2004. Ablative skin resurfacing includes procedures such as deep chemical peels, laser resurfacing, and dermabrasion. These procedures remove top layers of damaged or wrinkling skin in order to heal and reveal a younger, smoother skin.
 
Women look to maintain
The survey detailed that women, not surprisingly, also want to maintain their good looks
and are opting for facial cosmetic procedures. The 2005 report illustrated that 79 percent of all surgical procedures and 80 percent of all non-surgical procedures were performed on women. The most common cosmetic surgical procedure is blepharoplasty, followed by facelift and rhinoplasty. The most common non-surgical cosmetic procedures among women are Botox and microdermabrasion.

Blepharoplasty. This surgery corrects the puffy, sagging look in the lower and upper eyelids. Blepharoplasty removes excess skin, muscle, and fatty tissue leaving the eyes looking more wide-open, fresh, and youthful. Incisions are made in the natural creases of the lid, which reduces the appearance of any scars.

Facelift. The major benefits of a facelift are in the cheek, jowl, and neck area. Incisions are made in the hairline of the temple, around the ear, and into the hair behind the ear. The skin of the neck and of the cheek is lifted and the underlying connective tissue is repositioned. Permanent sutures may be placed to hold it in the new position. Excess skin and fat is removed and the skin is re-draped and secured with sutures. “Even though I was 60 years old, I felt 30 and wanted my appearance to reflect that,” describes Patty S., who had a facelift this past year. She said she soaks up the compliments and enjoys telling people about her surgery.

Rhinoplasty. Surgery of the nose, rhinoplasty, corrects the appearance and sometimes the function of the nose. Small incisions are made through the nostrils to reposition, reconstruct, or shave away the bone or cartilage that frames the nose. For reconstructive surgery or to correct function, the surgery may be more elaborate.

Microdermabrasion. This procedure sands away the top layer of skin, causing the layer underneath—smoother and supple—to surface. A high-speed rotating brush is used to remove the layers. The procedure can be used to diminish the signs of scarring or to improve the appearance of wrinkles.

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Dr. Levens has been providing plastic, cosmetic and reconstructive surgery procedures for patients in Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Coconut Creek, Coral Springs, Davie, Delray Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, Hollywood, Lauderhill, Margate, Miami, North Lauderdale, Parkland, Plantation, Sunrise, Tamarac, West Palm Beach, Wellington, Weston and throughout South Florida since 1989.