Cosmetic Surgery for Men
What can Plastic Surgery do for you?
For years, women have taken advantage of the physical and psychological benefits of elective plastic surgery. The name "cosmetic surgery" seems to imply that these procedures are only for women. On the contrary, it has become increasingly popular for men to pursue cosmetic surgery. Elective cosmetic surgery helps both men and women look younger and feel great. Men, as well as women feel cosmetic surgery can enhance career, as well as personal success through the improvements created by plastic surgery.
Male Cosmetic Surgery Photos
These are pictures of amale in San Diego who have received male cosmetic surgery at Changes Plastic Surgery. Please visit our complete photo gallery of plastic surgery for men performed by Dr. Lee in San Diego.
BEFORE
AFTER
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Gynecomastia
More and more men are having plastic surgery to look and feel their best. The most popular procedures for men are rhinoplasty (cosmetic surgery of the nose), liposuction, eyelid correction, and facial improvements including facelifts, necklifts, and facial implants for the chin and cheeks. Additionally, male patients are interested in otoplasty, which is a surgical pinning back of the ears, for those with protruding ears. Although there are unique considerations for male patients, such as skin thickness and beard growth patterns, the benefits of plastic surgical enhancements apply to both genders.
Planning Your Surgery
Good communication between you and your plastic surgeon is essential when planning your surgery. In your initial consultation, your doctor will want to know your anticipated results and how you hope to look and feel afterward. Our surgeons have performed many procedures on male patients, in addition to having plastic surgery themselves. Because of this, the Changes physicians will be very comfortable in talking with you about your interests. Your questions and input regarding your surgical outcomes play an important part in the success of your surgery, so it is important to be candid about the changes you'd like to see.
Your surgeon will also evaluate your health, conduct a physical exam, and explain which surgical techniques are most appropriate for you. You'll discuss the type of anesthesia to be used, the type of facility where the surgery will be performed, the possible risks, the results you can expect, and the costs involved.
All of the Changes surgeons are board-certified plastic surgeons, and the procedures are performed in a state licensed and Medicare certified surgical center, along with skilled anesthesiologists. These credentials help ensure the highest standards of care and your utmost safety.
Tell your surgeon if any part of the consultation makes you uncomfortable, or if you have any special privacy requests. Above all, it's important to have realistic expectations about your surgery. Remember, your doctor can offer significant improvement, but not perfection. Keep in mind that your age and health may play a role in the quality of the outcome.
Surgical Procedures
Extensive information about the particular procedure you plan to have will be provided during your consultation. While going over the steps of the procedure, your doctor will discuss a number of issues that may influence your surgery. It’s important that you participate in the discussion, ask all of your questions, and ensure you fully understand these considerations.
If you are planning facial surgery, a browlift or neck surgery, your doctor will evaluate your entire head-face-neck region including the hairline, beard growth, and skin condition. The surgeon will determine if the hairline is receding; the fullness of the sideburns; the extension of the beard-growing skin up the cheeks or down the neck; the presence and severity of facial scars; sun-damage; and loose or drooping skin.
Hair growth and beard growth may play a major role in the technique chosen for your facelift. If you are balding or have thinning hair, additional efforts will be used to hide the facelift incision, especially in the temple area. After your facelift you may find that your shaving pattern needs to be revised. However, laser hair removal can rectify this situation. Be sure to discuss these possibilities with your surgeon.
Many male patients are interested in the removal of fat beneath the chin. For some patients, liposuction may suffice to rectify this problem. However a full facelift or mid-facelift and necklift, may be the best solution. Facelifts include the removal of excess skin and tightening the platysma muscles, which run down each side of the neck. These muscles are usually thicker in men than they are in women, but do not pose a greater challenge for your plastic surgeon.
Because men don’t have the same advantages as women regarding the use of make-up, your surgeon will be diligent in arranging the incisions to ensure optimal healing.
Go to our male plastic surgery photo gallery.
Post-Operative Care
Facial Resurfacing:
After a chemical peel or dermabrasion, shaving must be postponed for about 3 weeks. These procedures make the skin look younger by removing the surface layers of the skin; therefore, during the healing process, your face will be sensitive, swollen, and bright pink for several weeks after surgery. Men have a distinct advantage over women in this case because beard growth during this period can help conceal the recovering skin. Some men opt to also use camouflage make-up during this time, but the choice is up to each patient.
Drinking alcohol during the recovery period can cause the areas of treated facial skin to become noticeably red and flushed. It is advised to refrain from alcohol for 4 weeks after a skin-resurfacing treatment.
Facial Surgery:
Cosmetic procedures such as eyelid surgery, nose surgery, and facial-implant surgery are performed essentially the same way for men and women. Your surgeon can make recommendations for ways to give a more masculine look to your facial features, for example a more pronounced chin, stronger cheekbones, or a sleeker nose.
Liposuction/Body Contouring:
The ideal male body shape is considered to be trim and athletic-looking, with a "V" shape of the broad shoulders and chest, a flat abdomen, and a narrower hip-thigh area. However, as men age, areas of fat tend to accumulate around the abdomen, the flanks ("love handles"), and along the chin and neck. Liposuction can be a very effective treatment to remove these fatty areas that are resistant to diet and exercise.
Men retain their skin elasticity longer than women do, and the areas of fat beneath the skin tend to be firmer and more vascular than those in women. Because of these and other factors, liposuction in men is usually very effective.
For men with loose, hanging skin as well as areas of excess fat, your surgeon may also recommend skin removal, in addition to liposuction.
Abdomen Reduction :
Men with good skin elasticity who have only a moderate amount of excess abdominal fat may benefit from liposuction alone. Usually Ultrasound Assisted Lipectomy (UAL) is used to melt the fat from the fibrous tissues of the trunk.
For men who have hanging abdominal skin (usually the result of a large amount of weight loss), loose abdominal muscles, and/or neglected hernias, an abdominoplasty or "tummy tuck" produces the best results. This is a more extensive surgical procedure than liposuction because in addition to the removal of excess fat, the surgeon will tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall, and trim the waistline. Because of the nature of this procedure, the recovery period is longer. Most patients feel well recovered approximately 4 weeks after surgery.
Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia):
"Gynecomastia" is the medical term for benign enlargement of the male breast tissue. This condition can be quite disconcerting for men, who feel embarrassed and self conscious about their enlarged breast size. Because of this, many men choose Ultrasound Assisted Lipectomy to correct it. UAL has many advantages over traditional liposuction for this condition. UAL gives smoother more complete fat removal with less swelling and bruising than traditional liposuction. This surgery involves the removal of fat and/or glandular tissue from the breasts. In extreme cases, skin is removed as well. The effect is a flatter, firmer and more contoured chest. Because the fat is permanently removed from that area, the results are permanent.
The Healing Process
In order to maximize the results of your surgery and to expedite the healing process, it’s important to closely follow your surgeon’s instructions in the days and weeks immediately following your surgery. This includes taking adequate time off work and getting enough rest. Instructions may also include wearing bandages or tight compression garments; staying out of the sun; not drinking alcohol or smoking; and avoiding strenuous activity, exercise, sports, and even sex.
Studies have shown that men often deny their pain and are uncomfortable about asking for help after surgery. During your recovery, it’s especially important to be patient about being a patient. Your body will undergo its own course of healing, so your surgeon will monitor your progress during follow-up visits. For the best results, it’s important to follow your surgeon's instructions closely.
To avoid post-operative problems, arrange to have someone available to help you for a few days after surgery. If you get the help and rest you need, you'll improve your chances of a quicker recovery, and you may see your results a lot sooner.
Go to our male plastic surgery photo gallery.
Patient Testimonial
"I wanted to personally thank you for the excellence of your work. You are truly a gifted professional! I do not know how you do it-I think you must be part magician. Best wishes for a Happy Holiday Season" -Steve