Men of all ages and all walks of life come to my practice requesting surgery for cosmetic reasons. At the start of the consultation, I often ask them what motivated them to do something about their appearance. And the list of reasons is as varied as the surgery they are seeking but basically, it comes down to a few good reasons.
- It takes many years of hard work for a man to reach a certain level of success in life. The journey often takes its toll on the body. Late nights, stress, business trips and lunches often prevent healthy eating habits and exercise.
- There is an expectation that a man must always look effortlessly confident and alert. The expectation and the reality can be at odds with each other.
- Retirement is no longer a given at 65 and men must compete in the corporate world deep into their seventies.
- Men do not have the option of using cosmetics to make their jaw lines appear firmer or concealer to hide dark circles under their eyes.
- Men with thinning hair do not have the option to grow their hair long to cover prominent ears.
- Hormonal and metabolic changes can cause stubborn fat deposits on the hips, abdomen and pecs which are resistant to diet and exercise.
Thus the help of an experienced surgeon is sought.
Men’s goals may include a more balanced nose, a rejuvenated face and a trimmer waistline. Or a host of other concerns that can be treated either surgically or non-surgically.
Here is a list of the most common treatments and surgical procedures sought by men:
Neurotoxins
Botulinum toxin is a popular injectable that temporarily reduces or eliminates facial fine lines and wrinkles.
Botulinum toxin can be used to:
- Smooth crow’s feet, forehead furrows, frown lines
- Diminish neck bands
- Reduce excess sweating (a big plus in the South African board room!)
- Lift the corners of the mouth
Eyelid surgery
Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure to improve the appearance of the eyelids. Surgery can be performed on the upper lids, lower lids or both.
Eyelid surgery can treat:
- Loose or sagging skin that creates folds or disturbs the natural contour of the upper eyelid, sometimes impairing vision
- Fatty deposits that appear as puffiness in the eyelids
- Bags under the eyes
- Drooping lower eyelids that reveal white below the iris
- Excess skin and fine wrinkles of the lower eyelid
Liposuction
Liposuction, slims and reshapes specific areas of the body by removing excess fat deposits and improving body contours and proportion.
Liposuction can be performed on:
- Hips and buttocks
- Abdomen and waist
- Upper arms
- Back
- Chest area
- Cheeks, chin and neck
- Calves and ankles
Neck and Jawline lift
This surgical procedure improves the visible signs of ageing in the jawline and neck.
Neck lift surgery can treat:
- Excess fat and skin relaxation in the lower face that creates jowls
- Excess fatty deposits under the chin
- Loose neck skin
Gynecomastia surgery
Gynecomastia is a condition of overdeveloped or enlarged breasts in men that can occur at any age. The condition can be the result of hormonal changes, heredity, obesity or the use of certain drugs. Plastic surgeons can reduce breast size in men. The area can be flattened and the chest contours can be enhanced. This can be achieved with liposuction if the excess tissue in this area is only fat and not glandular tissue. If it is glandular tissue this will need to be surgically excised.
Other surgeries most commonly performed on men
- Facelift
- Rhinoplasty
- Otoplasty – prominent ear correction
- Excess skin removal after massive weight loss
Dr Jonathan Toogood is the owner and founder of Somerset Surgery. He has a broad scope of surgical interests, in particular breast reconstructive surgery, aesthetic surgery and laser skin rejuvenation. He was awarded the Trubshaw Medal for the top result in South Africa for the Surgical Primary exam. On completion of his specialisation, he received a six-month fellowship with Prof Daniel Marchac – the world-renowned craniofacial and aesthetic surgeon in Paris, France. He has been in private practice since 2006.