Good Morning America
Plastic Surgery for Men on the Rise
Guys Say They Hope Going Under the Knife Will
Help Them Compete Personally and Professionally
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Jan. 9, 2005 -- According to folklore, women are
considered the fairer sex.
But increasingly, men are paying more attention
to their appearance and going to great lengths to
improve it — even if it means going under the
knife.
The number of men undergoing plastic surgery each
year is on the rise, with rhinoplasty (better known
as a nose job), chin implants and less invasive
procedures such as Botox injections and chemical
peels especially popular.
"There is no question there is a trend that
men are coming in higher numbers and they're being
more open about it year over year," said Dr.
Michael Rose, a plastic surgeon. "Whereas men
only accounted for 9 percent of cosmetic procedures
seven years ago, in 2003, they accounted for 14
percent. And the last year alone has seen a 51 percent
rise in minimally invasive procedures, such as Botox,
among men. The stigma of plastic surgery has lessened
over time, and it has become more acceptable."
Driving the plastic surgery trend for both sexes
is the flood of television shows featuring plastic
surgery, which make the often expensive procedures
seem almost commonplace.
A Way to Compete
Steve Tauber took notice of the growing trend and
decided it was time to do something about his pockmarks
and baggy eyes.
"If I'm going to be 45, I want to look the
best I can at 45," said Tauber.
He hopes a laser facial procedure will help him
both in the dating world and the professional world.
"I think it is, to some degree, a way to compete.
I used to work as a salesman, and I know how important
image is in any job," said Tauber.
Men today not only feel pressure from their younger
competitors in the workplace, but also from the
youthful faces and fit bodies staring at them from
the covers of men's magazines and from celebrities
on the red carpet.
"Some men feel, 'why not?' " New York
plastic surgeon Dr. Darrick Antell told "Good
Morning America." "As for why, there's
increased popularity because there's more publicity
about plastic surgery and plastic surgery is getting
less invasive than it used to be."
Antell said men often look at surgery in
economic terms.
"Men think of it as an investment that gives
immediate return," he said. "It's not
enough just to have a good resume. Men wear their
resume on the face. We all like to think that people
judge us from what's on the inside, but we all know
that our outside appearance is being judged too."
Consider the Risks
Before going under the knife there are some important
risks to consider, said Antell.
"Some risks for surgery include the same risks
of all surgeries, like bleeding, infection, swelling
and unsatisfactory healing," he said. "Remember,
there will always be a scar, but there are always
things we can do in terms of scar management. And
the most important way to get a good result is to
pick someone who is certified by the American Society
of Plastic Surgeons."
Antell also said that word of mouth is often
the best way to find a good surgeon.
"Start by asking friends and personal physicians
for recommendations. It's often not a bad idea to
interview other surgeons," he said.
And finally, Antell stressed plastic surgery
is not the time to cheap out.
"Plastic surgery is one area in life it pays
to pay retail," he said. "Cost varies
based on the experience of the surgeon."
Other Articles About Men and Plastic
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