The Grey Fox — Why Modern Men Over 50 Are Seeking More Cosmetic Surgery
- Posted on: Mar 3 2016
Even though men had just over 10% of the cosmetic procedures performed in the U.S. in 2014, they’re on their way to catching up to women. The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons reports a 43% increase in men seeking cosmetic anti-aging treatments since 2009. Men, like women, are more health- and appearance-conscious in the age of social media and personal fitness. And of course, they’re also looking to stay competitive in the workplace and dating game. Silver-haired celebs like Michael Douglas and George Clooney have proven that men over 50 can still have plenty of confidence and sex appeal. As a result, more and more Regular Joes are investing in themselves through cosmetic surgery and other anti-aging treatments.
While men’s and women’s bodies age differently, faces tend to follow more or less the same aging patterns. This probably accounts for the overlap between three of the top five most popular cosmetic treatments for both men and women: liposuction, eyelid lift and facelift. Overall, however, men tend to favor “quick fix” procedures whose results may not require regular maintenance. For instance, rhinoplasty is common among men who are self-conscious about nose injuries that have healed imperfectly. The surgery is more about correcting a perceived problem rather than restoring youthfulness. Short recovery time is often a critical factor for men as well, since they tend to be extremely secretive about “having work done.” And they’re often eager to return to work soon as possible — after all, what’s the point of gaining that boost of confidence and competitiveness if there’s no one to see it?
Women are generally more accustomed than men to devoting lengthy time to their appearance and beauty treatments. For them, scheduling a filler session or skin resurfacing is no different than a trip to the hair or nail salon. Men, on the other hand, aren’t as used to giving nearly as much focused time to their own faces, and prefer a face, neck, eyelid or brow lift to regular preventive maintenance treatments like Botox. Men are also less likely than women to “shop around,” and may be tempted to go with the first surgeon who pops up in an online search. It’s important to choose a board-certified surgeon ideally one who specializes in facial procedures exclusively, as Dr. Patrick Flaharty does. Equally as important as credentials, of course, is the rapport between the surgeon and patient. Dr. Flaharty and his team at Azul understand the reasons men seek facial plastic surgery, and how important time and discretion are in the decision-making process.
Ironically, it’s often women who make the first appointment with a plastic surgeon on behalf of their husbands, brothers, friends and boyfriends. But more and more men are taking matters into their own hands, working hard to maintain their health and appearance as they acquire the confidence that comes with maturity. Azul welcomes men of all ages to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Flaharty to discuss questions about how facial cosmetic surgery can help them reach that next career goal or life milestone looking — and feeling — their very best.
Posted in: Procedures