New Research Confirms that Appearance Affects Us All

When we think of “body image,” we often think of its effects on women.  However, new research out of the UK suggests that men, too, can struggle with appearance.  British newspaper, The Guardian, is reporting on one study that polled 394 British men about their attitudes and beliefs toward their bodies. According to the article, “More than four in five men (80.7%) talk in ways that promote anxiety about their body image by referring to perceived flaws and imperfections.”  The Guardian also quotes the woman who conducted the study, Dr. Phillippa Diedrichs.  According to Dr. Diedrichs, “These findings tell us that men are concerned about body image, just like women.”

Beauty and fashion magazine, Marie Claire, reported on this new study as well.  In light of its rather surprising data, the magazine sought out the opinion of Alan White, a professor of men’s health at Leeds Metropolitan University.  According to the article, Mr. White has seen “a big increase in British men opting for cosmetic procedures, including nose jobs, and removal of breast tissue, over the past 10 years.”

More Men Seeking Out Cosmetic Treatment

Cosmetic treatments that were once only popular among women are now being explored by an ever-growing male population.  This trend is clearly reflected in the plastic surgery data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.  According to the latest ASPS data, men now make up a full 9% of all cosmetic procedures in the US.

Here are a few cosmetic procedures more and more men are choosing today:

• Eyelid surgery: As we age, our eyelids will naturally sag and droop.  While this can be unattractive, for many, it can also interfere with vision.  An Eyelid Lift—also known as blepharoplasty—works to combat these issues.  During the procedure, excess fat, skin and muscle is removed from the upper and lower eyelids.  Male patients often find that this procedure helps them achieve a fresher, more youthful appearance.
• Botox & fillers: Injectable treatments are wildly popular among men.  Botox, which is essentially a muscle relaxer, works to prevent creases that appear intermittently, such as crow’s feet and smile lines.  For deeper, more persistent wrinkles, dermal fillers like Juvederm and Restylane work to fill in the spaces or “valleys’ of creases.
• Liposuction: Some areas of fat simply won’t respond to exercise.  Thankfully, we can often tackle these through Liposuction.  During the procedure, we remove stubborn fat from the abdomen, waist, hips, buttocks and/or thighs using a suction tool.  The result is often a slimmer waistline and a more trim body.

Is Plastic Surgery Right for You?

If you’ve been meaning to speak with a Long Island Plastic Surgeon, contact us today and schedule a consultation.  Our offices are located in Huntington Station, serving Long Island and the surrounding areas.  We can be reached at .