Rising Trend: More Men Are Opting For Cosmetic Procedures

Dad probably doesn’t want another tie or tool for Father’s Day this year. So why not get him something unique that can be a gift that keeps on giving - a cosmetic procedure?

Dr. Christopher Costa of Platinum Plastic Surgery in Las Vegas, NV, shared some information about the rise in cosmetic procedures for men and what a “Dad Bod" Makeover is with The Blast. 

While it’s not talked about as much, men have been seeking cosmetic procedures more so in the past few years than ever before.

“Although cosmetic enhancement for men isn’t typically talked about in public social settings, statistics show that the number seeking out cosmetic procedures has skyrocketed and as a plastic surgeon, I’ve seen it first-hand. In just 2022 alone,  1.5 million men underwent cosmetic procedures–a number that continues to rise, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS),” Costa told The Blast exclusively.

“As far as medical spa services go, practitioners have seen an astounding 253% increase in male patients from 2019 to 2022!”

The two most popular minimally invasive procedures have been neurotoxins or “Bro-tox” and jawline filler, according to Costa.

“It’s not a coincidence that selfies, dating apps, and video conference calls all became part of our social and professional lives during that same time,” he shared. 

There are a few cosmetic procedures that top the list for men, according to Costa. 

“Liposuction has historically been a popular surgery for men and it continues to hold its place as one of the most requested surgeries by men. It helps to get rid of stubborn fat from areas like the abdomen, chest, and flanks to achieve a more sculpted look,” he explained.

“Rhinoplasty, more commonly referred to as a ‘nose job’ is also a very popular procedure for men and always has been. The goal of this surgery is typically to reduce the size and overall appearance of the nose to make it more aesthetically pleasing.”

Rhinoplasty can also be considered a functional surgery because it can help with breathing and sinus issues. 

Another popular choice, and the most popular surgery this year so far, is gynecomastia, also known as breast reduction, which has become “very high profile” and has increased in popularity over the past few years.

“Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, has definitely increased in popularity among men in the past few years,” Costa said. “This surgery helps to correct droopy eyelids and remove puffy bags under the eyes, resulting in a more alert and youthful appearance.”  

Just like with pretty much anything, there are some major misconceptions about cosmetic procedures, especially when it comes to men. 

“A major misconception is that cosmetic procedures are only for women or that men who undergo these treatments are vain or less masculine in some way,” Costa told The Blast. 

“The reality is that men seek these procedures for various reasons, sometimes even functional ones. But men wanting to enhance self-confidence, feel more competitive in the workplace, and simply look as good as they feel, is not something to be ashamed of or considered taboo.”

Costa also said that the goal of cosmetic procedures shouldn’t be to look like a whole different person, but rather to “enhance one’s natural beauty.” 

For a long time, cosmetic procedures were considered taboo for men, but not so much for women. Costa said this is due to “traditional gender roles.” 

“Traditional gender roles dictate that men focus more on hard work and being rugged,” he said. “Men are traditionally expected to prioritize traits like strength and stoicism over aesthetics. So for a traditional man, seeking out a cosmetic procedure feels unmanly and vain.” 

But for women, it’s a bit different. Women have historically faced high societal expectations to stay young and beautiful.

“Unfortunately, in the society that we live in, a woman’s appearance and youthfulness are oftentimes associated with her worth. Being perceived as physically attractive as a woman promotes greater opportunities, sometimes referred to as ‘pretty privilege,’” he shared. 

“On top of all that, the beauty industry has been targeting women for decades with photoshopped images of what they should look like to feel pretty and marketing products that promise to make them more attractive. As a result of these high expectations and marketing tactics, it seems completely logical that a woman seek our cosmetic procedures to keep up with these societal standards.” 

Most people have heard of the “Mommy Makeover.” The equivalent for men is the “Dad Bod” makeover, which is rising in popularity.

“‘Dad Bod’ is a term used to describe a body type that is sort of fit but not super lean or with a lot of muscle mass. Think of it as men who have a bit of extra weight around the middle, just a comfortable layer of softness,” Costa explained.

“The term references dads because this is typically seen in men who balance staying active with the relaxed lifestyle of a family man.” 

This procedure typically includes liposuction and sometimes gynecomastia to tighten and tone up the chest. 

Costa earned his medical degree in Hawaii and trained at some of the most elite training facilities across the country before founding Platinum Plastic Surgery in Las Vegas in 2018. The state-of-the-art facility is complete with a med spa and a fully certified surgical center. For more information, visit their website.