Cosmetic surgery has had a reputation for being exclusive to the rich and famous, but the truth is that cosmetic surgery has become more mainstream and more common among the working middle class. I have seen this specifically in my practice. Despite my exclusive Park Avenue location in one of the richest zip codes in the nation, my waiting room is commonly filled with teachers, nurses, and secretaries sitting next to lawyers, executives, and actors. I love this diversity among my patients.
Male Plastic Surgery on the Rise
The fastest growing group is my male patients. Nationally, males comprise less than 20% of all cosmetic surgery patients but this number has been increasing dramatically over the past few years. According to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS) the number of males undergoing cosmetic procedures increased 2% from 2009 to 2010, but the increase in specific procedures among men has far outpaced females over the same time period. Below is a list of the fastest growing cosmetic procedures among men, based on the percent increase from 2009 to 2010:
2. Ear Surgery (Otoplasty) – 11% Increase
3. Soft Tissue Fillers – 10% Increase
4. Botulinum Toxin Type A – 9% Increase
5. Liposuction – 7% Increase
6. Breast Reduction in Men – 6% Increase
7. Eyelid Surgery – 4% Increase
8. Dermabrasion – 4% Increase
9. Laser Hair Removal – 4% Increase
10. Laser Treatment of Leg Veins – 4% Increase
Thoughts From the Doctor
My personal opinion is that this is directly related to the changing economy. As the economy took a turn for the worse, the workforce became increasingly competitive. The 50 year old man with 30 years of work experience now finds himself competing with a younger (and cheaper) competitor, and not only in New York City. Older males are looking for every possible advantage to be hired, get that promotion, or keep from getting fired. Despite the idealists that think that looks don’t matter, the fact is that they do. Whether fair or not, studies have shown that better looking males tend to have more success in the workforce. Cosmetic surgery became a way for older men to look younger and more refreshed.
When choosing a doctor for male cosmetic surgery in New York City, make sure to choose a surgeon who has experience with male patients. This is extremely important because surgical techniques vary between men and women. With male patients, it is important to have a balance between improving one’s appearance and retaining the masculine features.
Fly In For Cosmetic Surgery
My New York City practice has grown considerably over the past several years. While the majority of my patients originally came for New York and the outer boroughs, an increasing number of people are now coming from greater distances. At first I began to draw patients from the greater Tri-State area as patients came to New York City for the latest innovative procedures. Recently, my patients have been coming even greater distances. In fact, I now routinely see patients that come from as far away as California, Florida, Bermuda, and Europe.
If plastic surgery is for you, then my travel concierge can help you take the next step in arranging your surgery. This includes helping with financing, flight arrangements, ground transportation, overnight accommodations, and making sure that all the necessary paperwork is completed and received.
Among the latest developments, I have partnered with several local apartments. This now allows us to offer apartments as an alternative to a hotel in New York City. Patients enjoy the privacy of an apartment and appreciate the comforts of their own kitchen. There are several locations to choose from, each conveniently located near to my office and surgical facility. Because many of my out-of-town patients stay 7-10 days, this is a more comfortable and cheaper alternative to a Manhattan hotel.
Most importantly, my travel concierge acts as the advocate and facilitator for my many out-of-town patients, helping them adjust to the hustle and flow of New York City. Yes, you are traveling in order to have cosmetic surgery, but that does not mean that you can’t have a pleasant and non-stressful stay in Manhattan.
Contact Our Office
If you are interested in learning more about a procedure or technique, contact my office to schedule a consultation for plastic surgery in New York City.
