Men and Plastic Surgery | Myths, Legends, and Popular Procedures

Plastic surgery is a term that encompasses thousands of operations, but is used to reconstruct, alter, or restore parts of the human body. In males, plastic surgery can help with everything from signs of aging to breast reductions, liposuction, and more. However, the field of plastic surgery has some interesting myths surrounding it, particularly with male plastic surgery.

In this guide, we’ll look closer at men and plastic surgery, including some popular myths and legends. If you’re considering plastic surgery as a male, this guide will provide some clarity on a popular, but often misunderstood, field of medicine.

Plastic Surgery Is “Unmanly”

One of the most common and harmful myths about plastic surgery is that it’s somehow “unmanly,” or doesn’t live up to traditional standards of masculinity. Plastic surgery is used for much more than changing the way a person looks. There are some health conditions that can create undesired body shapes or deformities, which plastic surgery can help correct.

Plastic surgery isn’t tied to masculinity in any way. It’s a medical procedure that men and women alike can benefit from. Assuming that plastic surgery is harmful or unmasculine only serves to steer people away from surgery. It’s time we address this important myth, as we’ve made progress in the last few years. Plastic surgery in men has increased about 29% since 2000 (as of 2018). In fact, we treat just as many men as we do women at Dr. Bray’s facility.

The Myth of Vanity

One of the biggest myths about plastic surgery in men is that it’s only done for the sake of vanity. There’s a misconception that plastic surgery is vain by nature and that people only pursue it to boost their egos.

While plastic surgery can certainly provide a confidence boost, it’s not always used to boost egos or improve looks. Medical conditions like obesity can create unwanted body changes that require surgery to change. So, at the end of the day, plastic surgery is about so much more than vanity. It’s a legitimate tool that can improve a person’s confidence and self-respect.

Only the Rich Can Afford Plastic Surgery

Another myth that exists about men’s plastic surgery is that it’s only affordable for truly wealthy members of society. In reality, plastic surgery is generally affordable. The cost of surgery will depend on the extent of the augmentation or reconstruction, the doctor performing the surgery, and the state the patient is in. There are third-party financing companies, like MediCard, that many people use to make the cost manageable.

Extensive plastic surgery will certainly cost more, but the average person is looking for smaller operations with a lower price tag. Elective cosmetic/plastic surgery isn’t usually covered under health insurance, so you’ll be paying out of pocket for the procedure.

Cosmetic vs. Plastic

Cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery are often mistaken for the same thing, but in reality, the two share some key differences. In most cases, cosmetic surgery’s aim is to improve looks or change the patient’s body to meet their expectations.

Plastic surgery is used to repair or reconstruct areas of the body affected by trauma, disease, or other health conditions.

Plastic surgeons learn about cosmetic surgery, reconstructive surgery, and more during their education and residency training. Upon successful completion of these requirements, plastic surgeons will complete the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada exam to become certified.

Plastic surgery patients are mentally unwell

Unfortunately, the media portrays plastic surgery as a procedure that applies only to rich and unstable people. There’s a common misconception that anyone pursuing plastic surgery is unwell, but most plastic surgery patients are perfectly sound of mind, a factor that a conscientious Plastic Surgeon will evaluate during consultation.

Popular Procedures

There are dozens of popular procedures for men. Here are a few to consider:

1. Liposuction

Liposuction is a procedure where fat is removed from the body via suction. This is the most common plastic surgery in both men and women and is minimally invasive to the patient.

Depending on the patient’s needs and the doctor performing the operation, and is usually related to the size and/or the number of areas being treated and can therefore vary dramatically between people.

2. Male breast reduction (Gynecomastia)

Gynecomastia is the process of minimizing breast size in men. Certain medical conditions can cause men to grow larger breasts but it is most often a benign process with no underlying abnormality. This procedure is a specialty of Dr. Bray, who performs this procedure with a minimally-invasive technique using special technology such that the scar is hidden remotely in the underarm region. Having a flatter, more masculine chest contour can be a powerful boost to patient confidence.

3. Facelifts

As skin ages, it loses its elasticity, which causes hanging skin, drooping skin on the face, and other signs of aging. A facelift changes the contour of the face. The surgeon pulls two flaps of skin back on either side of the face and surgically binds them into place. This helps “lift” the skin on the face to create a more youthful appearance and minimize sagging.

Facelifts aren’t permanent, but they can make a huge difference and increase a patient’s confidence for a few years.

4. Nose surgery

Nose surgery can address several concerns. Patients who have experienced trauma can have reconstructive nose surgery to repair the damage. Surgery helps the nose look “normal” or augments the appearance of the nose to meet patient requirements.

Nose surgery can range from minor to major surgery, which affects the length of the procedure and the cost.

5. Hair Transplant

With hair loss being a prime concern for men over 40, hair transplants are becoming more popular. Men with male pattern baldness or thinning hairlines can improve confidence by creating new hair growth. The transplant is only minimally invasive, and the new hair usually falls out within a few weeks. If the roots have taken, new hair will grow in.

The Bottom Line

Many myths surround the plastic surgery industry, especially for men. Plastic surgery isn’t “unmanly” or reserved only for women. It’s a viable operation for changing the way you look or repairing damage to the body’s aesthetics. It’s time to understand plastic surgery for what it truly is and ignore these myths entirely.

Looking for the right surgeon to help you? Contact Dr. Bray using the form below for a private consultation.