Men may not be as open about their bodies as women, but it’s no secret that guys can have their own set of insecurities about physical appearance, especially as they enter middle age. That’s why doctors have seen an increase in the number of men seeking plastic surgery to treat their body woes over the years. Here are some of the most common complaints among men when it comes to body image, and what surgeries are available to help improve them.
The dreaded man boob
As men age, it typically becomes more difficult for them to maintain a svelte physique, even if they continue to diet and exercise. Many men develop fat around their chest, which results in the appearance of male breasts, medically known as gynecomastia. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), anywhere from 40 to 60 percent of men suffer from this issue, which may explain why male breast reduction was one of the top five plastic surgery procedures for men in 2011, the organization reports.
This fat can be removed via liposuction or by cutting out excess glandular tissue. This procedure can take around two hours, and is typically performed on an outpatient basis. Minimal scarring around the nipple will fade over time, as will any swelling or bruising that appears in the days after surgery.
The bothersome beer belly
It’s called a beer belly because it can be caused by an intake of too many calories from alcohol, but some men develop a gut simply because of genetics. Guys who find that diet and exercise aren’t working to shrink their stomachs may want to consider liposuction to remove the excess fat.
This was the most common procedure for men last year, ASAPS reports, so it should be relatively simple to find a board-certified plastic surgeon who has experience with male patients seeking liposuction. This surgery is often combined with a tummy tuck to remove any excess, sagging skin left over following removal of fat.
The aging face
The face is another area of concern for middle-aged men, as lines and wrinkles here are impossible to hide. For men, the two most popular options to treat this issue are Botox injections and facelifts, according to ASAPS. Botox is a non-invasive treatment, but it requires multiple injections over time, as the effects are not permanent. Facelifts, on the other hand, offer permanent results, but involve more intensive surgery.
