Men Are Becoming More Open To Male Cosmetic Surgery Procedures

We've noticed an increase in the number of men who are coming in for consultations with Dr. Young. Liposuction, Eyelid Surgery, Breast Reduction, Calf Implants, Tummy Tuck and even Face Lift are more in demand than ever before. While Dr. Young has always had men desiring rhinoplasty (nose job) and liposuction, the increase in these other procedures has noticeably grown over the past several years.

Why the increase? An article just published by Dr. Robert T. Grant in Medscape News, a publication for physicians, points out that, "Although men do not face the same hormonal changes with aging that women do, the male biological clock still ticks, and over time changes in a man's appearance can lead to a negative self-image, which can take a toll on mental and physical health. Today, men are turning to cosmetic surgery in an effort to help break the cycle of interaction between appearance and negative self-image." In other words, men are caring more about their appearance and have realized that cosmetic surgery procedures can make you feel better about yourself. Something women have known for years!

In an ideal world, we'd be able to slow the aging process down if we achieve a good balance diet, exercise, home life, family life, work life, recreation, management of stress, and our health. But for most of us, this is is a difficult if not impossible task to master throughout the course of life. So instead, we strive to create a balance in our aging with use of diet and exercise when we're in our twenties, skin care products in our thirties, use of wrinkle reducers and facial fillers in our forties, more invasive procedures such as skin tightening, fraxel and laser resurfacing in our fifties, and face lifts in our sixties. While women battle with sagging breasts and flabby tummies, men have to deal with receding hairlines, baggy eyes, excessive love handles and man boobs. Face it, aging is not always easy.

Dr. Robert Young encourages a sensible approach to planning a cosmetic surgery procedure, and understands that men can be a bit intimidated by worries over what others will think, finding a qualified surgeon, and whether it will work for them. Men haven't been as exposed to the experience of cosmetic surgery and don't always have the resources for getting information that women seem to do effortlessly. Most women simply have to ask a friend or co-worker and they're well on their way to getting the names of doctors, websites,  and all the "free advice" they can handle!  Dr. Young encourages men to do their research by checking quality websites for sound information.

Many men are also frightened of "plastic surgery" when they see public figures like Burt Reynolds, Kenny Rogers and Bruce Jenner undergo cosmetic surgery with results that drastically change the person's appearance. Most people feel these are too aggressive and prefer to have a more subtle, natural result. Good communication with your surgeon, realistic expectations, and listening to the advice you receive from your surgeon helps to ensure that you'll receive the results you're looking for.

Cosmetic surgery procedures for men can be a positive, enriching experience. Dr. Robert N. Young of San Antonio is pleased to consult with men about their unique cosmetic surgery wishes. As a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with 30 years experience, he has helped many men feel better about their changing physical appearance.

RESOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION:

American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery - Procedure Information
American Society of Plastic Surgeons - Official Website

ABOUT DR. YOUNG

Dr. Robert N. Young, the founder of Aesthetic Enhancement Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Center, has been in private practice for over 20 years. Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Young has developed an outstanding reputation for excellence in South Central Texas. Dr. Young is one of the most recognized plastic surgeons in San Antonio.

A native of San Antonio, Dr. Young earned his undergraduate degree from the esteemed United States Military Academy at West Point. He served as Platoon Leader, Nike Hercules Missile Site at Homestead AFB, Florida until 1971. Dr. Young completed his medical degree at Tulane Medical School in 1975. Following Internship at Brooke Army Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston, he completed his general surgery residency in 1980 and his fellowship in plastic surgery at William Beaumont Army Medical Center at Fort Bliss  in 1982. He then returned to Fort Sam Houston to serve as a plastic surgeon and consultant to the Burn Unit at Brooke Army Medical Center. There, Dr. Young went on to become the Chief of Plastic Surgery, where he performed all types of major reconstructive procedures, until he retired from the military in 1990. At that time, Dr. Young began his private practice in San Antonio, Texas.

Dr. Young's surgical procedures are performed in his own state-of-the-art Surgical Center, which has been accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF). The center provides cost effectiveness for the patient, while allowing total discretion and comfort.

What is the Most Effective Liposuction Technique?

To try and answer this question, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) went to those who perform liposuction most - Board Certified Plastic Surgeons. The professional association's members were surveyed recently, and asked which methods they prefer most, and which ones they perceive as the safest.

The results are in! Overwhelmingly (at 51.4%), they preferred suction-assisted liposuction (or commonly called "traditional" liposuction, which includes tumescent liposuction). Second and third most preferred (23% and 20.9% respectively) were PAL (power-assisted liposuction) and UAL (ultrasound-assisted liposuction).
LAL or "laser-assisted liposuction" accounted for only 3.9% of plastic surgeons preferring this procedure. LAL methods go by many trendy names, but all are assisted by the use of a laser. Many manufacturers claim that the procedure can be performed under local anesthesia, however, in our experience, most patients cannot tolerate liposuction under local anesthesia, especially for large areas. Patient discomfort can lead to the procedure being aborted earlier than desired.

Dr. Young prefers traditional tumescent liposuction techniques and the use of our own PAL "Tickle Lipo". It seems that Dr. Young is not alone in his perception of what works best!

Dr. Young has been performing liposuction in his private cosmetic surgery practice for over twenty years, and has this information to share: When considering your need for fat removal, realize that problem areas are identified by "area", such as abdomen, hips, thighs, or "love-handles" for men! Liposuction is also very effective for arms, neck or chin, and for reducing large breasts on men. When considering liposuction, consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, as they are the physicians who have received the highest levels of appropriate cosmetic surgery training.

In recent years, Dr. Young has perfected his technique of Brazilian Butt Lift, where fat is suctioned from one or more areas of the body is transferred into the buttocks, creating a shapely, voluptuously full figure that is so in fashion. Fat transfer techniques are also effectively used on the face, where loss of volume naturally occurs as we age. While fat transfer to the breast is once again being talked about as a viable alternative to traditional Breast Augmentation with either silicone or saline breast implants, the use of fat in the breasts often requires multiple procedures to end up with the volume you desire. This is because not all of the fat injected survives. Many prefer the tried-and-true methods that have been perfected in Breast Augmentation with advent of endoscopic technologies which allow for minimal incisions, good placement of implants, and beautiful, lasting outcomes. Liposuction is suitable for both men and women, and Dr. Young has seen a steady rise in the number of men who are electing to have liposuction surgery performed. In experienced, skilled hands, liposuction has evolved into an extremely safe and effective surgery for those wanting to reduce problem areas, sculpt the body, and even to add volume to areas lacking shape.


Robert N. Young, MD, FACS is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with his own private Surgery Center in San Antonio, Texas. For more information on Dr. Young, visit his website at www.dryoungforever.com.