More men getting plastic surgery (though they’re not likely to talk about it)
By Joy Batteh-Freiha
More and more men are willing to have a little nip and tuck to improve the way they look and feel, but many of them aren’t quite ready to let the world know about it.
“Even though cosmetic surgery procedures are on the rise in men and some don’t mind sharing their experiences, overall most men will not and choose to be more discreet,” said Mayo Clinic Florida plastic surgeon Sarvam TerKonda, who also serves as medical director of Mayo’s Breast Center.
Cosmetic surgery has always been more popular with women patients than with men, but according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the demand for plastic surgery procedures increased nearly 9 percent in 2010, with men accounting for 8 percent of the total. The society says there’s been an 88 percent increase in procedures performed on men since 1997.
Rebecca Glasser of Parkway Plastic Surgery on the Southside said she’s seen an increase in her male patients looking for easy outpatient procedures.
“I’ve had a lot of requests for botox and fillers,” said the board-certified plastic surgeon. “Men want to look good for the same reasons women seek cosmetic procedures.”
Glasser said one reason she thinks more men are opting for cosmetic surgery procedures is that their significant others are encouraging it.
“I think men want the same goals as their wives and girlfriend,” explained Glasser. “Baby boomers want to turn back the clock no matter what gender.”
TerKonda agrees, and said another factor is that some men feel pressured to feel rejuvenated in the workforce.
“Everyone wants to put their best foot forward and that includes enhancing their appearance,” said TerKonda.
Barry Lind of Avondale said he chose to have plastic surgery after losing a considerable amount of weight left him looking like a “12-year-old St. Bernard.”
“After successfully losing 30 pounds over two years, I decided to get a neck reduction at age 47,” Lind, 52, said in an email. “That consisted of liposuction and tightening of my neck muscles.”
And a year later, Lind said he went back for a chin implant.
“I’ve maintained my weight, and I look great,” said Lind. “No regrets.”
joy.freiha@jacksonville.com,
Read more at Jacksonville.com: http://jacksonville.com/news/health-and-fitness/2011-08-31/story/more-men-getting-plastic-surgery-though-theyre-not-likely#ixzz1XcToisLh
