The authors of this report hold that plastic surgery for men has traditionally focused on “function over form,” since male plastic surgery patients were not often as concerned with their appearance as their female counterparts. It has historically been much more uncommon for men to consider facial rejuvenation surgery, or a face lift, than it has been for women. Typically, when a man requested this type of cosmetic plastic surgery, he would do so because of functional concerns that were arising due to the effects of aging.
In recent years, this is less and less the case, according to the authors. They report that plastic surgeons are receiving an increasing number of requests for minimally invasive cosmetic plastic surgery procedures, such as dermal fillers or injectable skin impants.
The motives of men opting for these types of facial plastic surgeries is also changing. Increasingly, male patients cite a youthful image and competitiveness in the workplace as the concerns leading them to opt for cosmetic plastic surgery. Undergoing these types of procedures is also becoming increasingly socially acceptable, and this is lowering barriers for men who have concerns about their facial appearance and functionality but might otherwise feel too self-conscious to seek out a cosmetic surgeon.
The authors stress that a shift in the patient population should prompt a renewed focus on patient selection and male facial anatomy. These considerations can help to ensure that facial plastic surgery for men retains the effectiveness and reputability that cosmetic plastic surgery for women has attained.
Citation: Dhaliwal J, & Friedman O (2008). Injectables and fillers in male patients. Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America, 16(3), 345-55.