From ancient times, people have always sought ways to beautify themselves and improve their
physical appearance. From archeological discoveries to the tombs of mummified Egyptian
Pharaohs, we see objects and materials that were used to enhance beauty; from jewelries to
ointments, man has always been fascinated with beauty and physical looks.
In the world today, beauty and general aesthetics are a major deal. People can go the extra mile to improve their looks, enhance their physical appeal, and change their appearance.
“The global cosmetics market was worth $299.77b in 2022, this figure is expected to grow to $313.22bn by the end of 2023”. (Fortune Business Insights)
With advancements in knowledge and new areas of wisdom opening up, new methods are
being unleashed to improve on existing methods and techniques. One of such innovations is
plastic surgery.
In recent times, plastic surgery has gained more prominence as more and more people go through one procedure or the other. Here’s a quote from BAAPS (British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons) president Marc Pacifico:
“The 2022 BAAPS audit shows that demand for cosmetic surgery has more than bounced back post pandemic. Economic uncertainty and a decrease in overall consumer spending does not seem to the deterring patients from having cosmetic surgery. People are choosing to spend on treatments with a proven track-record of safety and which deliver reliable, long-lasting, and natural results”.
Plastic surgery alters certain areas of your body to treat medical issues or enhance appearance (Cleveland clinic). Plastic Surgery is divided into two parts; reconstructive surgery and cosmetic surgery. Reconstructive surgery deals with correcting or reconstructing a part of the body that is deformed, defective, or injured. While Cosmetic surgery is a procedure where a person’s physical appearance is changed for aesthetic and cosmetic reasons. People who undergo cosmetic surgery do that to improve how they look by altering and redesigning certain parts of the body, e.g. the nose.
Women are mostly associated with cosmetic surgery because naturally, women are more “beauty conscious” and are passionate about improving how they look, but men are not also left out of this trend. As you read on, you will learn of various procedures men undergo to improve how they look.
According to BAAPS, “2,325 cosmetic surgeries were conducted on men in 2022, which is a 121% rise from the surgeries performed in 2021”. This means approximately 1,052 men carried out cosmetic surgeries in 2021.
The table below shows the list of top ten cosmetic surgeries carried out by men in the UK and their accompanying values for 2021 and 2022.
| COSMETIC PROCEDURE | 2021 | 2022 |
| Rhinoplasty | 267 | 388 |
| Chest Reduction: | 133 | 343 |
| Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery): | 165 | 339 |
| Liposuction: | 133 | 333 |
| Otoplasty (ear correction): | 146 | 251 |
| Abdominoplasty: | 78 | 172 |
| Face/Neck Lift: | 47 | 132 |
| Fat Transfer: | 22 | 96 |
| Brow lifts: | 21 | 86 |
| Breast augmentation: | 67 |
N:B: Data for 2021 are approximate values gotten from the percentage rise as presented by BAAPS.
N:B: The names of the procedures have been shortened for a clear presentation.
Rhinoplasty
This is also known as “nose job”. It’s a type of cosmetic surgery that deals with the shape of the nose. It is used to change the size, angle and general appearance of the nose. Sometimes, it is used to correct breathing problems. Cost ranges between £4000-£7000.
Chest reduction
This procedure, also known as “Gynecomastia surgery”, involves removing excess breast tissue from men. Some men are born with excess breast tissue. This may cause them to feel uncomfortable and shy and so they opt for this procedure to improve their appearance. It costs between £3,500-£5,500.
Blepharoplasty
It is a type of surgical procedure that’s conducted on the eyelids. It is used to correct the shape of the eyelids, droopy eyelids, and puffy eyelids. In the long run, the overall appearance of the man is improved once the man undergoes this procedure. It costs between £5,000-£6,000.
Liposuction
This procedure deals with removing excess fat from the body. Many men want to look agile and athletic, without excess fat to deal with. This procedure works on parts of the body like the arms, stomach, hips, buttocks etc. to achieve a toned down physique. It costs between £3,000-£8,500.
Otoplasty
This type of cosmetic surgery deals with resizing and reshaping the ears. Certain men feel the shape and size of their ears make them look unattractive, others want to increase their sense of confidence and acceptance, and so they undergo this procedure to achieve desired results. It costs between £2500-£3,500.
Abdominoplasty
It deals with tightening and toning down the abdomen and abdominal muscles, which usually involves the removal of excess skin around the abdomen. Men who desire to have “six-packs” and look more athletic opt for this procedure. After the surgery is done, the abdomen becomes flatter, firmer and the general appearance is improved. It costs between £5,000-£10,000.
Face/Neck lift
This procedure helps a man to look younger and more youthful compared to how they were before. It addresses wrinkles and sagging of the skin that comes with aging. The face and the neck are worked on, and the effects of aging listed above are addressed. It costs £7,000-£10,000.
Fat transfer
This procedure involves taking excess fat from one part of the body and depositing it in another part. E.g. fat can be taken from the abdomen and deposited in the biceps to improve the overall appearance and physique of the man. It costs between £2,000-£8,000.
Brow lift
It is a cosmetic surgery procedure that raises the position of the eyebrows. This procedure helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and lines on the forehead, as well as lift drooping brows. The procedure helps in adding youthfulness while improving appearance. It costs between £5,000-£7,000.
Breast augmentation
As the name implies, this procedure is carried out to enhance and improve the breasts. It is carried out by implanting saline into the breasts of the man. This procedure is similar to the one women undergo for beautification and body improvement. It costs between £3,500-£8,000.
Cosmetic surgery has its benefits and side effects, a proper understanding of the risks associated with a procedure should be carefully examined before it’s undertaken. In some cases, follow-up procedures are needed to maintain the benefits from the original procedure. In standard and qualified hospitals/centers, proper consultations are done before a procedure is carried out to avoid complications.
“The number of procedures undergone by both men and women has increased in impressive numbers, but it is important to weigh up the risks versus the benefits. It is imperative that people select appropriately trained and qualified surgeons. At the BAAPS, we continue in our mission to promote public education and safety in aesthetic plastic surgery.” BAAPS President, Marc Pacifico.”
