Plastic surgery for men is quite popular. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), more than 289,000 procedures like nose reshaping or liposuction were performed in 2020. That’s not counting an additional 820,123 minimally invasive procedures, such as Botox treatments or laser treatments for leg veins.

With so much investment in plastic surgery for men, here’s a look at why—and some information on the best treatment options, as well as the costs and complications.

What Plastic Surgery Do Guys Get?

In 2020, the top surgical procedures for men reported by the Aesthetic Society, an organization of board-certified plastic surgeons, were:

  • Liposuction
  • Male breast reduction
  • Eyelid surgery
  • Nose surgery
  • Tummy tuck

Statistics About Plastic Surgery for Men

Gynecomastia (male breast enlargement) is on the rise, notably in specific age groups. A 2020 study from Denmark reviewed the diagnosis across 20 years and found a fivefold increase in incidence in young males ages 16 through 20.

Plastic surgery for men accounts for more than 8% of all cosmetic surgeries performed in the United States and Britain.

Their older counterparts living with gynecomastia, ages 61 to 80 years, were diagnosed at a rate 11 times higher than when the research began in 1998.

The authors note there may be several reasons for the increase, including a rise in obesity. What they also make clear is that body image and cosmetic concerns are a driver for why more males seek out breast reduction surgery.

Male breast reduction is one of many cosmetic procedures for men with a popularity that changes over time. For example, the ASPS has seen a 1,616% rise in cheek implants, called malar augmentations, since 2000.

They’ve seen a 445% rise in lip augmentation across the same 20 years, along with big increases in thigh lifts and lower body lifts, a surgery often used to tighten up the abdomen after weight loss.

On the other hand, the numbers for hair transplantation are down 84% from 2000 to 2020.

Body Improvement Procedures for Men

Skin rejuvenation, such as photorejuvenation procedures that rely on pulsed light, remains popular among men. So do manscaping procedures such as laser hair removal and Botox.

Can Plastic Surgery Make a Man More Attractive?

Male cosmetic surgery often improves a sense of body image and with it a new and more positive outlook on life. Keep in mind that overall health is important, and plastic surgery for men also may be a strategy for reducing back pain, improving vision, or even finding an unknown underlying health condition, such as a metabolic disorder.

Liposuction, a common plastic surgery to remove men’s “love handles,” can deliver results quickly, but there is the downside of the cost and danger associated with elective surgery.

Costs of Male Cosmetic Procedures

Costs differ depending on the type of cosmetic procedure you’re getting, the fees charged by the members of the surgical team, and where you have a procedure done.

One barrier to surgery is that “plastic” changes may seem like they’re not “earned” through exercise and a disciplined lifestyle. People also may have unrealistic expectations about the final physical results, or as a solution to life challenges that arise from other issues.

You can shop around for good deals, but remember you must have a properly qualified cosmetic surgeon who works within an established healthcare practice.

Here is the average cost of some plastic surgeries for men in 2020:

  • Liposuction: $2,584Male breast reduction: $4,622Eyelid surgery: $2,996Nose surgery: $4,925Tummy tuck: $6,622Lip enhancement $2,767Botox (neurotoxin) treatment $408

Possible Complications of Plastic Surgery

Elective cosmetic surgery, as with any surgical procedure, has risks as well as benefits. Anesthesia and sedation needed for a procedure will pose risks that may include abnormal heart rhythm, heart attack, and stroke.

Some procedures, such as liposuction, can cause scarring, infection, and numbness due to the surgery itself.

Getting the Best Cosmetic Surgery Treatment

If you decide to have cosmetic surgery, it is important to do your research. Find a healthcare provider who is properly qualified, specialized, and affiliated with a hospital or clinic.

Unlicensed and untrained providers who offer anesthesia and surgery present a danger. So do those who are poorly regulated within the field of aesthetics, or who practice in unsafe or unsanitary conditions.

Also, consider these recommendations:

  • Be realistic about the outcome of the surgery.
  • Make sure you understand the risks involved.
  • Stop smoking and drinking alcohol prior to surgery in order to maximize healing.
  • Be as fit and healthy as possible ahead of your surgery
  • Seek advice about elective surgery risks if you are taking any medication, are overweight, or have ongoing health problems or conditions.