Pecks and Moobs vs Plastic Boobs
While cosmetic surgery amongst women is continuing to rise, it’s actually the number of men choosing to go under the knife that’s really making headlines today. Female cosmetic surgery still holds the top spot on the leader board, but with the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons reporting a 7% increase in male procedures in the past year, could peck implants and ‘moob’ surgery be about to take over?
The Rise of Male Cosmetic Surgery
Men today account for 10% of all cosmetic surgery patients are opting for a wide variety of procedures, ranging from the non-invasive and subtle surgery to full on appearance changing operations.
Quick ‘lunchtime’ procedures are becoming all the rage, with Botox injections one of the most popular by far. Around 1 in 5 Botox patients today are ‘boytoxers’, including some household names such as Simon Cowell and Gordon Ramsey.
In terms of more invasive surgical procedures, the most common cosmetic surgeries amongst men in the last year were nose jobs, with over 900 operations, and ‘man boob’ reductions, with over 700 surgeries. Interestingly, vanity procedures such as liposuction and facelifts are increasing among men, whereas correctional procedures such as otoplasty are decreasing.
Getting rid of a little unwanted fat around the body is understandable, but what about adding fat, or getting implants? That’s exactly what some men are opting for lately, with peck and shoulder implants and fat injections becoming more and more commonplace. It’s seen as an easy way to get great muscle definition – without needing to spend hours at the gym.
Society and the Metrosexual
So why the sudden increase in male vanity? Society’s obsession with looks certainly isn’t new, but this particular branch of the obsession is. The nation’s acceptance and ability to embrace change has transformed male vanity from a hushed and taboo subject to a headline worthy topic that sells.
Cosmetic surgery was once reserved only for the rich and famous who readily had access to a wodge of cash and the phone number of a good surgeon. For decades, socialites have been going under the knife as a way of openly demonstrating their wealth (often regardless of the end result). Men with fantastic bodies, expensive haircuts and designer clothing are doing just that – trying to exude an air of wealth and power.
Additionally, as mentioned, this is a society obsessed with appearance. Unfortunately, this means that many are prejudiced against those classed as more traditionally “plain”. A recent study carried out in Europe which looked at employability even found that “employer call-backs to attractive men are significantly higher than to plain looking men.” In fact this study claims these call-backs were double than the ones given to these “plain” interviewees. Despite the progress we have made to overcome prejudice in society it still seems to continue to be a prominent part of some peoples evaluation criteria, whether that be either socially or professionally.
When Things Go Wrong
Does going to extreme lengths for the sake of one’s appearance always lead to unrivalled handsomeness and success? Unfortunately not, as some of the biggest names in Hollywood prove.
One of the most famous examples of botched plastic surgery in Tinseltown at the moment is 80′s heartthrob Mickey Rourke, who openly admits to going to the “wrong guy” for cosmetic procedures on his face. Surgeons have blamed a tight face lift for eye and cheek abnormalities, and dodgy lip augmentation for an uneven ‘trout pout’.
If considering plastic surgery, it’s absolutely vital to choose a reputable clinic. In 2010, a report by the National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death reported that only 44% of operating theatres used for cosmetic surgery were fully equipped to deal with surgery of that nature, and that only 4% carried out in depth psychological consultations with patients prior to going under the knife.
Fortunately, there are many good private hospitals and clinics out there renowned for having some of the best facilities and surgeons in the world. Welcome news indeed for the men of today who want everything from a tummy tuck to a round of Botox to give Mother Nature a helping hand!
