Although many people may associate cosmetic procedures with women, cosmetic surgery for men is (and has been for many years) on the rise. Popular male plastic surgery runs the gamut from purely aesthetics-driven (liposuction, Brazilian butt lift surgery) to more functional (male breast reduction surgery, body contouring).
If you are a man interested in physically improving yourself with plastic surgery, here are some of the procedures that most male patients seem to gravitate toward, and those that seem to work best for the masculine frame and male aesthetic goals.
Most Popular Types of Cosmetic Surgery for Men
1. Liposuction
Almost all plastic surgeons offer liposuction. This surgical procedure can be performed nearly anywhere on the body. But most male patients will have lipo on their stomachs, flanks, back, chest, or chin. Chin liposuction helps patients get rid of their double chins, which may have resulted from genetics, weight gain, or aging.
Male liposuction performed on the body can also incorporate fat grafting. This is when fat is removed from the abdomen or elsewhere and “relocated” to another place on the body where it can help create an improved figure. For example, fat can actually be grafted onto a man’s muscles to help define each muscle and achieve a more attractive masculine appearance.
2. Tummy Tuck
The male tummy tuck is a cosmetic procedure that aims to remove excess skin from the abdomen and repair separated abdominal muscles. It is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures for men next to other body contouring surgeries, hair transplantation (getting a hair transplant), and gynecomastia surgery to correct enlarged breast tissue.
3. Brazilian Butt Lift
Many women undergo Brazilian butt lift surgery, but male BBL surgery is also on the rise. During a BBL, liposuction removes excess fatty deposits from the abdominal area (and sometimes from other places as well). That fat is then reinjected into the hips and buttocks.
Often, the re-added fat is more modest-looking for men, but the overall effect can truly help balance out the bodily proportions of male patients. It all depends on what the patient’s goals are, what their anatomy can accommodate, and how much excess fat they have.
4. Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia Surgery)
Lastly, male breast reduction is performed to get rid of excess tissue on the breasts. Enlarged breasts in males are often the result of a hormonal imbalance, taking certain medications (or drugs), having certain medical conditions, or sometimes, genetics or weight gain.
Patients may have excess fat only, excess glandular tissue (which often presents as a hard lump), or both. Liposuction and/or skin and tissue excision may be necessary to solve these issues.
Male Plastic Surgery as a Result of Weight Loss
Following massive weight loss, many men are left with excess skin, wrinkles, and stretch marks on their bodies. The skin stretches to accommodate the excess fat during the weight gain phase. Then, following Bariatric surgery or the lifestyle changes necessary for weight loss, the skin often fails to “bounce back” to its original size.
Despite the individual being much smaller in mass with far less body fat (and often more muscle) after weight loss, their smaller frame and musculature cannot be seen beneath the excess folds of skin (and sometimes excess stubborn fat). This can cause a host of further issues, such as physical discomfort and sometimes even pain, skin chafing and rashes, difficulty bathing and exercising, a lack of confidence, and self-limiting beliefs.
For these patients, weight loss plastic surgery is usually necessary. In fact, surgery is the only way to correct loose skin of this type. Patients often eat healthily and exercise strenuously and regularly, but unfortunately, these practices cannot get rid of excess skin.
The good news is that several body contouring procedures can be performed to get rid of excess skin as a result of massive weight loss. Tummy tuck surgery particularly targets skin on the front of the abdomen and sometimes around the sides. Body lifts can do what a tummy tuck does as well as remove excess skin from the hips, buttocks, groin area, and thighs (lower body lift) or the back, chest, and arms (upper body lift).
When a body lift is performed, liposuction is typically combined with skin excision. This reduces unwanted skin and fat, bringing patients to a more natural and comfortable appearance for their actual frame and body weight.
FAQ: Male Plastic Surgery
What is the most popular cosmetic surgery for men?
Likely, the most popular cosmetic surgery for men is body contouring to enhance musculature and reduce fat. This may come in the form of a tummy tuck, liposuction and fat transfer procedures to actually “etch” out the muscles, or liposuction alone to target stubborn trouble areas like the stomach and flanks.
What is the best facelift for men?
This really depends on what your major concerns and goals are. Facelifts will help rejuvenate your appearance and give you a more youthful look. So, they’re primarily used to correct sagging jowls, lax skin on the cheeks and along the jawline, sagging upper eyelids, deep wrinkles, and similar issues.
The type of facelift you and your plastic surgeon decide upon will depend on which of these areas you would like to improve as well as other factors like your unique anatomy, your budget, and your long-term goals.
What types of plastic surgery can men undergo?
Men can undergo most of the same cosmetic procedures that women can, including body contouring procedures, breast reduction, lower or upper eyelid surgery, laser hair removal, hair replacement surgery, laser skin resurfacing, neck lift surgery, nose surgery, chemical peels, and more.
Is a tummy tuck for men?
Yes, many men undergo tummy tuck surgery, also known as abdominoplasty. The goal of tummy tuck surgery is to get rid of sagging skin on the abdomen, which may have resulted from significant weight loss, aging, or genetics. A tummy tuck can also tighten the abdominal muscles.
Request Your Consultation Appointment
Learn more about plastic surgery for men by booking a consultation appointment with male board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Matthew Schulman. Whether you’re frustrated by excess fat, sagging skin, gynecomastia, or other cosmetic or functional issues, we can discus your goals and anatomy to determine if cosmetic surgery is right for you.
Contact us today to schedule your appointment.
