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Plastic Surgery: Not just for Women Anymore!
by George Bitar, MD
Men's reasons for having aesthetic surgery are to become more
attractive, to look less "tired," to be able to better compete in the
workplace by improving their looks and self esteem. In fact,25% of surgical patients at the Bitar Cosmetic Surgery Institute are men, as compared to the 11% national average. The first step for
a man is to consult with a board -certified plastic surgeon to discuss
the procedure he is seeking with its risks, benefits, and expected
outcome. Ask to see before-and-after photos of men who have had
procedures similar to the ones you are discussing, and ask to talk to
some of these men. Three of the procedures frequently sought by men
are explored here.
1. "Six-Pack" Abdominal Etching with Liposuction.
This operation
yields immense satisfaction to men who exercise, but cannot achieve
that “six –pack” that they have always wanted! It is achieved by a
specialized form of tumescent liposuction. No implants are inserted;
however, this is an operation where the plastic surgeon’s artistic skills
and experience can make a great difference. Men who seek liposuction
usually have a proper diet, and exercise, but they cannot seem to get
rid of the unwanted fat. If a man is muscular with good definition of the
abdominal muscles, but has some overlying fat, abdominal etching is
all he needs. If the man has more fat to be suctioned from his abdomen,
a traditional abdominal liposuction is performed, followed by a “sixpack”
etching. This operation serves as a springboard to working out
the abdominal muscles more, improving the diet, and receiving
positive feedback, especially at the gym!
2. Rhinoplasty.
A man may seek a Rhinoplasty for reasons including
self-consciousness about a “big” nose and the belief that it makes him
less attractive. Sometimes a Rhinoplasty is sought for functional
reasons such as difficulty breathing due to a deviated septum or
enlarged inferior turbinate’s, and “maybe a little touch-up of the tip
while I'm under anesthesia, doc.” The man has to articulate what
bothers him about his nose, and the more detailed the discussion with
the plastic surgeon, the better to ensure excellent results. The
Rhinoplasty operation varies in length based on the difficulty of a
particular nose. Aftercare for a Rhinoplasty patient is very important to
ensure excellent results.
3. Neck Lift.
The suture-suspension neck lift, with a scar hidden behind
the ear, was designed for men who did not want the scar in front of their
ears. Men who want a more youthful neck find this alternative to a full
facelift very appealing, because it gives significant facial rejuvenation
with less downtime and fewer hidden scars without the stigma of a full
facelift. Issues to discuss with your plastic surgeon at the consultation
would be whether you are a good candidate for liposuction only of the
neck, a neck lift, or a facelift.
4. Gynecomastia. (Breast Reduction for Men)
Gynecomastia is the condition of enlarged breasts in men. It can happen to men at any age and can cause a decrease in self confidence and avoidance of physical activities to hide their condition. The good news is that this problem is easy to fix. Gynecomastia can result from hormonal changes, certain diseases, or drugs. It can also occur in healthy normal men because of heredity. First, it is important to make sure that any drugs or diseases that may cause gynecomastia are treated. If no causes are found then surgery may be the answer to correct the gynecomastia permanently. The surgery lasts about 1-2 hours, and return to normal activity is usually resumed within a week.
Male cosmetic surgery is on the rise. Good planning, excellent
communication with your plastic surgeon and realistic expectations will
go a long way in achieving your cosmetic enhancement goals!
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