While cosmetic surgery procedures like face lifts, liposuction, and anti-aging treatments are commonly seen as terrain reserved for women, a lot has changed in recent years that is making them high-demand procedures among men. The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery reports that as cosmetic surgery comes to be more accepted by society and technologies advance toward less invasive procedures, far more men are getting them done.
From hair replacement to intensive skin care and laser procedures for acne scarring, men are becoming more likely candidates for cosmetic surgery. We talked with board-certified Dallas cosmetic surgeon Dr. Sam Jejurikar of the Dallas Plastic Surgery Institute about the types of procedures that are becoming more and more important to men.
Non-Surgical Hair Replacement
At the top of Dr. Jejurikar's list of cosmetic procedures that men are asking for more and more is hair replacement. He notes that many men of all ages suffer from hair loss, and many men begin losing their hair in their 20s or 30s, which can be a source of shame or embarrassment. Even older men find that hair loss, because it is often tied to one's sense of masculinity, erodes their self-confidence.
While some people opt for hair transplants to restore their hair, this procedure can be invasive and time consuming. Technology has improved significantly in recent years, which means that faster, less invasive options are now available. One effective option for hair loss is SmartGraft, an advanced and comfortable hair restoration procedure that regrows natural hair. Dr. Jejurikar says that many men love this procedure because it can be performed in the office (usually in one session), and results are accomplished much more quickly than with traditional hair restoration procedures. It also has an incredibly high success rate. The best part, according to Dr. Jejurikar, is that the results are permanent.
The technology behind SmartGraft is impressive; the procedure involves shaving a small area at the back of the head to remove what are known as "donor grafts." These are then implanted into small openings in the scalp where there is hair loss. Most people achieve improvements within 6 months and full hair growth within 12 months of treatment.
Anti-Aging Skin Care Products
When it comes to aging, it is not just women who experience self-consciousness and low self-esteem. Many of Dr. Jejurikar's male patients experience similar emotions, and much of their dissatisfaction is with their skin.
One easy way to improve skin texture and appearance is with skin care products. Although this may seem too good to be true, Dr. Jejurikar notes that skin care products have undergone significant technological advances in recent years. While most men didn't grow up being taught the benefits of caring for their skin, once they see that a little skin care can go a long way, many find that simply having healthier skin makes them look better and younger, which translates into increased confidence. He points out that exfoliators, moisturizers, and other products can help men keep their skin smooth, healthy, and youthful as they age.
Dr. Jejurikar, an avid researcher, has developed his own line of medical-grade skin care products that address skin concerns that many men have, including everything from wrinkles and dark circles to reduced elasticity over the years. With today's technological advances, skin care products can encourage skin cell renewal, restore hydration to dry skin, and more.
Anti-Aging Injectables and Fillers
Men are investing not only in skin care that will improve their appearance and provide anti-aging benefits but also in popular injectables such as BOTOX that temporarily remove lines and wrinkles. Both injectables and fillers can reduce the signs of aging, fill in wrinkles, and add lost facial volume that occurs as we get older.
When it comes to wrinkles, Dr. Jejurikar says, BOTOX and Juvederm are becoming increasingly popular among both men and women, especially as non-invasive procedures are enjoying far less stigma than they once did. For a double chin, Kybella is another effective option that removes fat from under the chin without having to undergo invasive surgery.
There are also treatments that Dr. Jejurikar refers to as the "next generation" of fillers, including Renuva, which can activate skin cell regeneration that is lost with aging. Renuva can last for two years or longer, and often works better the longer you use it. Dr. Jejurikar offers a wide range of injectables and fillers at his offices.
Acne Scarring and Sun Damage Treatments
It isn't just aging that men are worried about when it comes to their skin. Other things can erode confidence, including acne scars and discoloration from sun damage. Some men work jobs that require them to be outdoors for many hours a day, and environmental and sun damage can cause serious skin issues. Laser skin resurfacing is an excellent way to help with a variety of skin issues, from scarring and discoloration to wrinkles and other imperfections. An added bonus is that it is a successful treatment for acne scarring. Because it is a non-invasive procedure, results can be achieved very quickly.
For men who suffer from pitted acne scarring, a filler known as Bellafill is an excellent choice. In fact, it is the only FDA-approved filler for pitted acne scarring. Dr. Jejurikar says that one treatment can eliminate pitted scarring for up to 12 months.
Male Breast Reduction
This may come as a surprise, but over half of all men in the United States are impacted by enlarged breast tissue, also known as gynecomastia. The condition may be caused by many factors, including hormonal imbalances, a reaction to certain medications, or reasons that are never discovered.
Dr. Jejurikar notes that of the many skin and body conditions that men can experience, gynecomastia has among the largest impacts on self-esteem. Many men describe it as being embarrassing, but they often continue to suffer from self-consciousness rather than seeking treatment. The good news is that this procedure can be performed on men of any age, as long as they are in good physical and emotional health, and it takes between one and three hours under general anesthesia. Although the procedure is not a minor one, healing occurs relatively quickly, often with a few days of bruising, swelling, and discomfort following the procedure.
Neck Lifts and Face Lifts
One of the most obvious signs of aging for both men and women is a double chin or sagging skin on the face. This cannot be avoided, as skin that loses elasticity over time is a natural part of the aging process. Neck and facial tissue can also become loose for other reasons, such as after weight loss, but there are procedures that can tighten and tone loose skin to make the face and neck firm again. If the patient's concern is just with the neck area, the neck can be "lifted" as its own procedure. However, many people choose to have both a face lift and neck lift at once when a "lift" is sought out as an anti-aging treatment.
Dr. Jejurikar recommends what is known as a superficial muscular aponeurotic system facelift to correct things like jowls and hollow cheeks that come with age. The best part about these procedures, which involve facial surgery to tighten the skin, is that they can last for 10 years or longer. Because this procedure involves the deeper layers of tissue, patients experience excellent results compared to other treatments. Anyone in their 50s or older and in good health can realistically have a SMAS facelift. It is done under general anesthesia with IV sedation and takes several hours.
About Dr. Jejurikar
Dr. Sameer Jejurikar has practiced plastic surgery in Dallas, Texas, and has over a decade of experience. As a specialist in hair transplantation and replacing bone, skin, and other tissues, he offers cutting-edge technologies for all of his procedures. Patients who come to him for cosmetic surgery benefit from 3D preview imaging, which allows patients to see how specific surgical procedures will change their appearance.
He holds degrees from the University of Michigan Medical School, is a member of many local and national organizations for plastic surgeons, and is a volunteer for Smile Bangladesh, an organization that provides free cleft palate surgery for children. Dr. Jejurikar's philosophy is to treat each patient as an individual, talking with them in depth about their unique goals, and making sure that they are completely satisfied with the procedure.
If you would like to consult with Dr. Jejurikar about any of these treatments, you can contact him at the Dallas Plastic Surgery Institute.
