Not all cosmetic procedures are equal, especially when it comes surgery between men and women. Physically, the two sexes are very different. Everything from our fat deposits throughout the body to the bone structure in our faces pose different challenges to plastic surgeons. And with men becoming more open to the idea of cosmetic surgery, those nuances between men and women are coming to light.
Physical differences aside, the reasons for seeing a cosmetic surgeon also vary greatly between the two genders. Here is a quick rundown of why men and women are changing their looks.
Non-physical differences between men and women
Women still make up the majority of patients in cosmetic surgery practices. They tend to have more than one procedure, making them loyal regulars in many offices. A woman might go in for a facial, microdermabrasion and also have a facelift (not in the same appointment, of course). Men, on the other hand, will come in for one or two procedures then disappear off the radar. They might reappear again sometime in the future, they might not.
Of course, privacy is always a big issue in any medical practice, whether male or female. Because plastic surgery has long been the domain of women, men still aren’t feeling quite as comfortable going under the knife. Many cosmetic surgery practices are saying men are much more timid sharing their before-and-after photos, and even feel uncomfortable sitting in the waiting room with mostly women. Further, despite making great strides in gender equality, men going under the knife for cosmetic reasons can still be frowned upon, like it’s a weakness. With women, on the other hand, plastic surgery seems to be becoming a normal part of growing older. A woman going under the knife is seen as someone who wants to improve the way she looks to retain a youthful appearance.
Different procedures for men and women
According to the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), women still make up about 82% of cosmetic procedures. The most popular procedures among women are facelifts, rhinoplasties and laser skin resurfacing.
Men tend towards procedures like hair transplants, various fillers and even rhinoplasty. Men are also less likely to have facials, laser resurfacing and microdermabrasions.
Skin cancer becoming more common
Sometimes reconstructive surgery isn’t as optional as it seems. Rates of skin cancer among young people have skyrocketed over the years. This means that procedures like skin grafts and flaps are becoming increasingly common. The AAFPRS also says that 87% of facial plastic surgeons are seeing patients for skin cancer-related problems. This is a dramatic increase from even a decade ago.
Since skin cancer doesn’t discriminate, there are no statistics breaking down cancer-related procedures between men and women.
You’re always welcome at Jefferson Facial Plastics
Regardless if you’re a man or a woman, you’re always welcome at Jefferson Facial Plastics. We treat every patient with the highest standards of care, professionalism, privacy and comfort. From the moment you walk in our door for your initial consultation, to your last follow-up appointment after surgery, you’ll see why we are the premiere cosmetic surgery practice in the Philadelphia area. Call us today for your free consultation.
