Cosmetic surgery for men is gaining in popularity, particularly for men between the ages of 30 and 60 years of age. Men may opt to have cosmetic surgery for elective reasons, to improve their confidence, or they may decide to have reconstructive surgery to repair congenital or developmental defects, abnormalities caused by tumors or other health problems, or injuries or other structural problems. Elective cosmetic surgery is generally not covered by insurance, while reconstructive surgery usually is.
Men have many options when it comes to cosmetic surgery. Botox and hyaluronic acid are injectable fillers that provide rejuvenation and provide a more youthful appearance immediately, and allow a man to return to his normal activities shortly after the procedure. Both offer only temporary results, however, and will need to be repeated. Costs may start around $300.

Blepharoplasty is an eyelid procedure that is performed under local anesthesia. It can reduce puffiness, hooding, and sagging, and men are left looking well-rested and fresh. Recovery time can take from one to two weeks. Costs begin around $2,000.

Cheek and chin augmentations, along with rhinoplasty (nose-job), offer men ways to sculpt and define their faces. These procedures may be performed individually, but are often performed in conjunction with one another under general anesthesia to maintain harmony of the facial features. Rhinoplasty may be either a reduction or an augmentation, depending upon the man’s desires and facial features. Recovery time ranges from a few days to two weeks. Average costs for a rhinoplasty are about $3,000.

Cosmetic surgery for men also includes such body sculpting options as tummy tucks and cheap liposuction. Men with stubborn fat deposits that do not respond to diet and exercise may appreciate liposuction’s ability to target the fat directly and remove it. Tummy tucks remove excess skin and tighten muscles. Tummy tucks can help men regain their former physique, whether their tone was lost through weight gain or normal aging. Recovery time can take from one to two weeks. Liposuction starts around $2,000.

Many men suffer from pseudo-gynecomastia, a condition in which fat tissue accumulates in their breasts. This can be relatively easily removed via liposuction as long as only fat tissue is present, and men may be able to return to work in less than a week. In men with true gynecomastia, a condition in which the breast has developed with fat as well as breast tissue, an excision may be necessary to remove the excess glandular tissue. Recovery time may be about two weeks. Costs vary according to procedure.

Hair is also a common concern for many men, whether it is a matter of too little or too much. Laser hair removal and hair transplants are both popular cosmetic options for men to look their best. Mini-grafts and micro-grafts are popular hair transplant techniques that produce quite natural results when used by skilled surgeons. Laser hair removal generally works by aiming a high intensity beam of light at the hair follicle. This may require more than one session, and it is important to discuss hair removal options with a dermatologist since not all laser hair removal systems work with all skin tones. Costs vary according to procedure.

Because cosmetic surgery for men is becoming more popular, it is important to know how to find a good surgeon. Any doctor is legally allowed to call themselves a cosmetic surgeon, but not all doctors are truly qualified to perform many of these procedures. It is important to select a board certified plastic surgeon. There are three plastic surgery boards: the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and the American Board of Otolaryngology. A doctor’s credentials can also be verified by checking with the American Board of Medical Specialties.

In order to get the best possible results from their surgery experience, men should get into their best possible physical shape first. They should stop smoking, limit their alcohol consumption, and eat a healthy, balanced diet. They should be realistic about the results they expect and understand that no surgery – even elective surgery – is without risk.