A man's face – and body – tells the story of his life, the good, the bad and the ugly. You can't erase time or genetics, but many men are attempting turn back the clock or perfect themselves to gain an edge in the business world.
The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reports almost a million cosmetic procedures for men in 2009. Male baby boomers have begun to explore options to create a better – and ultimately, more youthful look. The number of procedures for men is up eight percent from last year, as men seem to be changing their attitude about the need to appear youthful and look dynamic – something previously of concern only to women.
"Appearance is absolutely important," says Joe Curley, district sales manager for software giant Symantec. "An employer or client will take in a person's appearance and – if they are fit and healthy – subliminally deduct that they are on their game and have a strong work ethic. Psychological studies have also shown that people tend to trust more attractive people." In fact, he says, there have been several studies that have drawn a direct correlation between facial symmetry and trust factor.
Botox is by far the number one non-surgical cosmetic procedure for men to nix facial wrinkles, especially in the current job market where veterans are competing for jobs with guys 10 years younger.
As for cosmetic surgeries, the number one procedure among men is liposuction. Popular in the 35-50 year-old crowd, lipo removes fat in small isolated areas like the abdomen and it's often an option to get rid of "love handles." Neck lipo is also done to remove double chins or the "turkey gobble" some men get as they age.
Looking to lose the family nose or create more facial symmetry? Rhinoplasty ranks second on the list of top cosmetic surgery procedures for men. A doctor will consider the entire face before performing the surgery, with chin size coming into play as well.
If Botox isn't permanent enough to create a younger appearance around the eyes, eyelid surgery is an option. It ranks third in popularity with men and it's the number one cosmetic surgery among 51-64 year olds. The procedure is generally performed on those with excess wrinkled or drooping skin on the upper eyelids, and bags under the eyes.
"Patients come in for everything from liposuction to rhinoplasty and the list continues to expand," says Dr. David Whiteman, MD, chief of plastic surgery at Gwinnett Medical Center. "Male breast reduction, the surgical correction of enlarged breasts – a condition that can affect men of any age, even athletes – is also growing in popularity."
Cosmetic surgery seems to appeal to the quick fix, no hassle approach to life some men have. In fact, becoming more popular are procedures to create six-pack abs, bulging pecs and enhanced buttocks that would take months or even years to achieve by working out.
"There is a common misconception that plastic surgery is only feasible for the wealthiest," says GMC's Dr. Whiteman. "However, advancements in surgical techniques and less invasive options have made cosmetic enhancements very affordable for the average American."
To stay competitive, maintaining your image in business is key – and with attitudes and acceptance toward men's cosmetic surgery changing – more men are getting work done. The result: they look more fit and professional, more youthful and attractive. Will it up their game? Look around, you never know who you might be up against for that next new job, big promotion or important client presentation.
