Body image improving cosmetic surgery was a taboo subject among men for a long time but, as more men seek out cosmetic treatments, this awkwardness could soon be a thing of the past.
A recent report from the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) has indicated a dramatic rise in the number of men taking up cosmetic surgery treatments. They found the number of men taking up cosmetic treatments has exploded by 110% since the year 2000, rising to an all-time UK high of 4,614 in 2015. These impressive statistics represent a significant rise, and distinct new trend, in UK men taking more of an interest in their physical appearance.
The reason behind the rise in male interest in cosmetic procedures isn’t entirely certain. Rajiv Grover, former president of BAAPS and consultant plastic surgeon, has suggested changing fashions are responsible for the rising trend. He suggested men are moving away from hyper-masculine and intentionally unkempt fashions and instead towards a sharper, more well-groomed and professional image.
Another factor could simply be the increasing awareness of cosmetic treatments available to men. Treatment providers are increasingly promoting their services for men. The Hospital Group is growing and taking on new staff thanks in part to the rise in popularity of their wide range of male dedicated treatments. As more men learn about the wide range of image enhancing options available to them, more will naturally be inclined to try it out.
High profile celebrities getting treatments done could also be encouraging men. Celebrities like Wayne Rooney, Louis Walsh, and James Nesbit have publicly spoken about their hair replacement procedures. Whether or not these high profile people are role models, the act of simply talking about their procedures normalises the concept for other men and helps them realise what’s possible.
So, what kind of things are men having done?
Well, their expanding tummies seem to be preoccupying most men. Liposuction and ‘man boob’ reductions have seen 20% and 13% jumps respectively as men seek out more favourable physiques. Age reducing procedures are also popular. Face/neck lifts, brow lifts, and eyelid surgery have all seen increases too.
With so many different ways men can improve their bodies, the rise of male cosmetic treatments seems unstoppable.