Cosmeticsurgeon.co.uk - UK Cosmetic Surgeons

Cosmetic surgery is normally associated with women, but a recent trend has seen the men of New York visiting cosmetic surgeries in large numbers for treatment. The most common problem requiring treatment is acne, although the range of conditions is increasing.

Dr Mitchell Chasin, who is a cosmetic physician and acts as the medical director for a clinic based in New Jersey, has observed a notable increase in the number of men seeking cosmetic surgery, evening out the ratio of male to female patients considerably. The past five years, in particular, have seen male patients go from being extremely rare to fairly commonplace in some surgeries.

Dr Chasin believes that although men are the same as women in terms of what they want out of cosmetic surgery, their way of approaching it is very different. While women are more likely to go for a drastic change straight away, men are more cautious and prefer to spread their treatment out into a number of smaller procedures.

They may have different approaches and different preferred treatments, according to Dr Chasin, but the motivation for undergoing cosmetic surgery is the same for men as for women. Both want to feel good about themselves and boost self-esteem by changing something about their appearance they are not happy with.

Figures provided by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry also indicate that men in America are increasingly likely to undergo cosmetic dental treatment, as the number of male patients is growing for specialists in cosmetic dentistry. Men now account for almost a third of the overall number of cosmetic dental patients.

So what is leading to the increasing numbers of men having cosmetic treatment? Some, including Dr Irwin Smigel, believe that our modern lifestyles are leading to men becoming more aware of their images, particularly those who are between the ages of 35 and 65, as they are more likely to be focused on their career and how having a particular image can help. A smile is a key part of making a first impression on someone and improving it can lead to increased self-confidence when trying to build both personal and professional relationships.

In today’s society there is a huge focus on the physical appearance and when it comes to ageing, the issue can start to become emotional. People often feel that they look older than they feel or don’t like the changes in their face and body and want to look younger. A while ago cosmetic surgery was something the rich and famous did, but now as cosmetic surgery becomes more assessable and “normal” more and more people in the general public are having procedures done.

Rise in cosmetic surgery

Even though there is a huge recession going on the actual number of people having cosmetic surgery has risen year on year by 5%. Popular surgical procedures include facelifts, eyelid surgery and nose surgery. Also less invasive treatments have also risen in popularity such as Botox treatment, fillers and chemical peels. There are many dental clinics and beauty salons which offer many of the less invasive treatments at an affordable price.

Natural enhancement

Both men and women are turning to surgery in order to enhance their natural state as surgery and treatments become more and more natural. This means that your average Joe, the banker, the teacher, nurses and shop workers are turning to face and body enhancements. Not everyone wants to look like a “Barbie doll” stereotype but may just want to correct a bump in the nose, or have a mini-facelift or perhaps remove that stubborn muffin top that will not shift. Cosmetic surgery for the masses must address that fact that everyday people want a natural look and a boost to their confidence rather than a frozen face or huge lips.

Many believe that these kinds of treatment offer a way for patients to self-improve and boost their self-esteem and confidence.

Treatments that many patients have for lines and wrinkles and signs of ageing are treatments such as Juvederm, Restylane and Botox that can be completed in a short period of time with natural results.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the number of chin implant procedures carried out in the USA increased by 71 percent between 2010 and 2011, which represented a larger increase in popularity than breast augmentation, liposuction and Botox combined. The most significant increase was among people aged between 40 and 54.

Why are chin implants so popular?

An American plastic surgeon has claimed that social media and the increased popularity of video calling have increased the popularity of chin implants.

Dr William J Vasileff, from the Birmingham Institute of Plastic Surgeons, said that surgeons across Michigan have experienced a significant increase in the number of people seeking chin implant treatment, which they have attributed to an increase in video calling, which has prompted people to take notice of their profile and notice flaws in their appearance.

Dr Vasileff also said that people from the baby boom generation are eager to compete with their younger counterparts and are resorting to surgery to achieve more youthful, attractive looks. Chin implant procedures are particularly popular with male models, who are keen to have the treatment to produce a more chiselled look and a strong jaw line, which are incredibly popular in the world of modelling at the moment.

About chin implants

Chin implants are designed to increase the size of the chin; the procedure is also known as chin augmentation. Implants are placed under the skin in the chin to make the chin more prominent. The aim of the procedure is to balance the facial features and create a more attractive profile. If you have a small chin, for example, this may make your nose look bigger, so chin implants will help to bring the size of the nose into balance.

Dr Vasileff also noted that many patients are choosing to combine chin implant procedures with rhinoplasty, commonly known as a nose job. According to the Michigansurgeon, altering the appearance and shape of both the nose and the chin has a dramatic effect on the aesthetic of the profile, as well as the appearance of the face from the front.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons has reported a significant increase in the number of men having Botox treatment, giving rise to the nickname, ‘the Brotox generation’.

Most people associate Botox with middle-aged women who are eager to combat wrinkles and fine lines and restore their youthful complexion, but statistics from the States show that Botox is becoming increasingly popular among men.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, there was a 258 percent increase in the number of men having Botox between 2000 and 2010, making Botox the most common cosmetic treatment for men. In 2010 alone, more than 330,000 men had the facial aesthetic treatment, which is designed to reduce the visibility of lines and wrinkles by preventing muscle contraction.

Why has Botox become so popular?

Dr Stephen B Baker, associate professor and programme director of the department of plastic surgery at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, said that the stigma attached to male surgery and cosmetic treatment has all but gone and men feel that they are now free to have treatments to make themselves look better in the same way as women.

The most common reason men want Botox is to reduce furrowed brow lines, according to Dr Baker; many men feel that lines on their foreheads make them look angry and unapproachable, as well as ageing them and the Botox procedure is very simple and minimally-invasive. Dr Sherman, who works with Dr Baker, admitted that men tend to ask for targeted treatment on specific areas of their face, while women tend to plump for a full facial treatment.

Botox is also incredibly popular among men because it is temporary and the recovery time is extremely short and the effects are also very natural, which is a major draw for any patients. Marcus Gogas, a 49 year old man from Virginia, said that he chose to have Botox because he had seen people who had undergone cosmetic surgery on television and the results were too radical, but with Botox, he knows that he will still look the same, just younger and fresher.

Cosmetic surgery has long been considered a woman’s pursuit, yet figures indicate that male treatments and procedures are becoming more popular year on year.

Cosmetic surgery is an increasingly appealing option at this time of year as the sun appears and people prepare to bare their bodies on holiday. Treatments such as liposuction and body contouring, breast augmentation and breast lifts are very popular among women, but the summer body panic is not restricted to females, with cosmetic surgeons reporting an increase in the number of men seeking treatment to enhance their physique.

Why are more men having surgery?

Men who are familiar with Men’s Health covers, Abercrombie and Fitch models and posters of well-known Euro 2012 stars may be dreading baring their bodies on the beach, fearing that what they have to offer doesn’t quite match the tanned, toned torsos on parade in magazines and billboards. Thankfully, for those who are worried about ‘moobs’, love handles or wrinkles, there is an array of treatments now available to men.

Which treatments do men go for?

In the past, the most popular treatments for men included rhinoplasty (more commonly known as a nose job) and otoplasty (pinning back the ears), but over the course of the last few years,  body contouring treatments have become increasingly popular, as men look to replicate the muscular, taut physiques showcased by elite athletes and gym bunnies. Developments in cosmetic surgery mean that treatment is simpler, safer and quicker than ever before and cosmetic surgery is no longer a taboo subject, meaning men do not have to fear ridicule for having surgery.

Treatments, such as Vaser Hi-Def liposuction, are popular because they create definition and tone, while male breast reduction, designed to remove excess fat from the chest, has also become increasingly popular. Male boobs commonly referred to as ‘moobs’ have appeared in many television programmes and are discussed in health magazines. People may joke about moobs, but for some men, this is a serious issue, which affects their confidence, especially in the summer months when you want to wear less clothing. A simple procedure can now eradicate these problems and help men to feel confident in time for trips to the beach.

Most people think of facelifts or liposuction when they hear the words cosmetic surgery – but statistics show that chin implants are fast becoming the treatment of choice in America, with a reported 71 percent increase in the number of procedures since 2010.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the number of chin implant procedures carried out in the USA increased by 71 percent to 20,680 between 2010 and 2011, with treatment proving popular among men and women.

What is the aim of chin implant surgery?

Chin implants are designed to balance the proportions of the face and enhance the shape of the chin and jaw. Surgery is most commonly carried out in tandem with other treatments, such as a face lift and nose reshaping. British plastic surgeons claim that chin implants are a popular choice for people who are having other cosmetic work, as a means of balancing the overall look of the face and giving shape to the jaw line. Treatment is often used in combination with a nose job to improve the proportions of the facial features, as a small chin may make the nose look bigger.

Unlike other implants, such as breast implants, the aim of the game is not simply to increase the size of the chin. Instead, the goal is to enhance the aesthetics of the face by improving symmetry and balance of facial features. Patients who have had a ‘chin job’ often claim that they decided to go ahead with surgery after noticing a double chin.

What does treatment involve?

Chin implant treatment involves placing an implant under the skin. The surgeon marks the area, makes an incision in the skin underneath the chin or inside the mouth, and then places the implant. Once the implant is in position and the surgeon is happy, the incision will be stitched and left to heal. The recovery period takes around one to two weeks.

The rising popularity of chin implants

Most people are aware of cosmetic surgery, but some may not have even heard of chin implants. However, this is almost certainly going to change with chin jobs becoming increasingly popular. Although the number of procedures undertaken every year is small compared to other treatments, most notably breast augmentation and liposuction, the most recent statistics for chin implants represent huge growth.

Between 2010 and 2011, 325,332 liposuction procedures and 316,848 breast augmentations were carried out in the USA. Compared with these numbers, the figure of 20,680 chin implant procedures seems small, but the latest number is massive compared to just 12 months before. The procedure has grown in popularity by more than 70 percent and this trend looks set to continue, as people grow increasingly enamoured with the pursuit of perfection.

Denise Hendry, a former footballers wife, had no idea going in that her liposuction surgery would lead to her death. Dr. Gustaf Aniansson performed the surgery in Lancashire in 2002, and she died in 2009 while having surgery to repair the damage done.

Dr. Aniansson punctured Mrs. Hendry’s bowel nine times during the surgery, and is still practising in Sweden, where he comes from. Now another woman has complained about his techniques there.

The official cause of death for Ms. Hendry was meningitis, caused by bacteria that spread to her brain from her stomach. Coroner Jennifer Leeming stated that inflammation of the brain and blood clotting from an inserted drain contributed to death with the meningitis. The original relatively simple liposuction surgery was performed by Dr. Aniansson near Preston, Lancashire at the Broughton Park Hospital. Between 2002 and 2009, she had many surgeries to repair the damage, and it was during the last of these, at the Salford Royal Hospital, that she passed away in 2009.

Mrs. Hendry and 15 other women from Britian sued Dr. Aniansson for over £750,000, and won their cases. The National Care Standards Commission described her botched surgery as resulting from clumsiness. Her lawyer has now tried to get in touch with authorities in Dr. Aniansson’s native Sweden, but so far nothing has been done. He says that they have forwarded all information to the authorities there, including the complains from 46 different women, and the successful cases of the 16 women who sued him. Medical reports were also sent to Sweden.

Sweden’s National Board of Health and Welfare representative Anders Sunesson says that if the information was given to them in 2002 something could have been done, but since it has been seven years the courts will probably say no. The problem is that Mrs. Hendry just died in 2009 from complications obviously arising from his botched surgery. Still, Sweden is investigating the similar claims from a Swedish woman that Dr. Aniansson performed breast and stomach surgery on. He did remove himself from the General Medical Council register of his own free will in 2003, which complicates matters a little bit. There is hope that these new claims from Sweden will take this doctor out of circulation for good.

The “Vampire Face-Lift” is also known as a procedure called Selphyl. It is an in office procedure that requires the patient have blood drawn from their arm and put into a centrifuge. The centrifuge then separates the platelets from the rest of the blood. The platelets are then injected into the face in the hopes that it will stimulate collagen production in the areas which are prone to wrinkling. This procedure is known as the “Vampire Face Lift” because of the way that it uses the patient’s own blood to make their face look younger and fuller.

Many patients prefer the Selphyl treatment because of they like the idea of using their own blood for a face lift rather than an artificial filler or neurotoxin. Although this procedure has been around since 2009 and over 300 doctors perform it, Selphyl has not been proven to actually stimulate collagen growth. The procedure, however, has still been featured on many shows and remains a hopeful candidate for more research as a possible procedure to replace the artificial anti-aging procedures used most commonly today. Many doctors believe that using natural materials for a face-lift can reduce the risk of bumps or other types of irregularities that artificial face-lifts can.

Even though the idea of a natural face-lift material is attractive, the Selphyl procedure has not been cleared with the FDA, even though there are certain doctors that have been rumored to claim that it has. People continue to pay 900-1,500 dollars for a half hour procedure that has no proven results. The lack of solid evidence on the Selphyl method, however, has not stopped doctors from claiming that it can reduce the visibility of early and mild signs of aging.

For now, the procedure is mostly used for people who are afraid to use neurotoxins like Botox and do not wish to go through a surgical procedure such as a fat transfer. The risks are incredibly minimal and the procedure is not invasive. Often Selphyl is paired with another face-lift procedure, so it is not entirely clear which procedure is actually doing the work. While the idea of Selphyl is a good one, there is still some research and science that still needs to happen before it becomes the next big beauty procedure.

Now that the economy is slowly recovering, the number of plastic surgery procedures is on the rise as well. In 2010, over 13 million Americans had cosmetic surgery performed on them, up 5 percent from the year before. As American Society of Plastic Surgeons President Dr. Phillip Haeck stated: ‘The economy is showing signs of improvement and, financially, things are a little better for people this year. As the aging population continues to grow, people are investing in plastic surgery procedures to help stay competitive in the workplace.’

During the height of the recession, plastic surgeons took a bigger hit than most industries. Dr. Jason Diamond explained that some surgeons’ business was down 50 percent, and they really struggled not to go out of business.

One area of plastic surgery that was never affected by the economy was injectables. Botox, used by many famous celebrities, remains a strong seller – over 11 million injections in 2010, up 12 percent from the year before. As Dr. Haeck explained: ‘Fat injections are up 14 percent…a patient’s own fat is being used in more creative ways to rejuvenate the face and body.’

Many people waited until the economy started to recover. Vicki Benko, 51, wanted to see how the layoffs were going to go at her company before getting the surgery done. She had a brow lift and had her upper and lower eyelids tightened, and is very happy with the results. ‘I look more rested, I look more energetic. It was a good investment’, she said.

There is also a rise in excess skin removal because of all the people who have lost weight in the last couple of years. Breast lifts, thigh lifts, upper arm lifts and lower body lifts are all more common now that the economy is starting to improve.

Elective cosmetic surgery is not the only kind of plastic surgery on the rise; people who have been injured are also getting reconstructive surgery more often — this sector has risen 2 percent.

As the economy improves, there is no doubt that all types of cosmetic and plastic surgery will continue to get more popular. Affordability is very important when it comes to elective surgery.

A couple’s attempts to make love ended quite shamefully mere weeks after the birth of their child due to the fact that the woman’s vagina had been changed so dramatically.  It wasn’t just their love life that she had been having trouble with. She had trouble wearing jeans and simply walking began to cause friction and pain. Soon afterward, the two went to a general practitioner who diagnosed her with a uterine prolapse. What this essentially meant was that her bowel could be felt just behind the damaged vaginal walls.The doctor offered her a hysterectomy, but this operation was refused. Because she felt so poorly about her own, body she and her husband began to drift apart.

She began researching methods of vaginal surgery when she saw an advert for a television programme about image problems. She contacted the producers right away and met a surgeon who told her that she would be able to benefit from labiaplasty and vaginoplasty. Because they could not afford to pay for the operations themselves, they took this opportunity immediately.

In a 90 minute operation in London, surgeons both reinforced the vaginal wall and placed her womb back in the correct position. She was then told to not have sex for the next six weeks. Although she felt tender, her body felt more complete than it had in a long time.She went on to say that it seems as if more women are having the operation because it is at last an issue that can be spoken about out in the open.

This type of case is quite rare because the labia usually does not cause medical problems. This typically only happens after a child is delivered and the mother needs to be sutured. There are plenty of women who want this operation that haven’t even had children. These women are simply looking for cosmetic surgery because they are not satisfied with the way that their vaginas look. Medical experts urge these women to look at this issue more realistically. The perfect-looking vaginas that they are looking at in magazines are probably aided by digital imagery. They may be searching for something that is not achievable. Experts will make the claim that there are no standards for normalcy in this situation. If surgeons do not see an immediate medical issue, they will not operate and patients are urged to see general practitioners for counselling.