Is male cosmetic surgery on the rise?

Cosmetic surgery has been popular amount some women for a long time, and culturally we seem more used to seeing and speaking about cosmetic surgery in relation to female bodies. However the topic has generally been a taboo subject among men. But, as more men seek out cosmetic surgery treatments, is wider cultural shift on the horizon?

The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) has released a report that indicates a dramatic rise in the number of men taking up cosmetic surgery treatments. The number of men opting for cosmetic surgery almost doubled between 2005 and 2015 (jumping from 2,440 to 4,614).

Where has this change come from?

The reason behind this rise isn’t entirely clear, but it is thought that social pressures are partly responsible. A proportion of UK men are choosing surgical procedures as expectations with their identities and appearances move some away from the masculine anti-fashion of the past, towards a sharper, more self aware image.

Furthermore, celebrities like Wayne Rooney, Louis Walsh and James Nesbit have publicly spoken about their hair replacement procedures. It seems that as men learn about the wide range of image enhancing options available to them, many are more inclined to try them out.

So what procedures are men having done? Liposuction and male breast reductions have seen 20% and 13% jumps respectively, and age reducing procedures such as face/neck lifts, brow lifts and eyelid surgery have all seen increases too.

Men should take care before they go under the knife

The cosmetic surgery industry is largely unregulated , something any patient must be wary of when choosing to go under the knife.

The following are points that you should carefully consider, before agreeing to undergo any cosmetic treatment:
• Ask to meet your surgeon to discuss the process before making any decisions
• Check for past patient’s testimonials and before and after photos where possible to ensure your surgeon has the correct experience and a good reputation
• Be wary of those trying to ‘sell’ their procedures to you. A good surgeon’s staff should tell you about recovery times, risks and important factors to consider. They should take the time to find out why you want surgery and assess your medical history before agreeing to provide treatment.
• Most importantly, you should never be pressured into having surgery.

What you can do if your cosmetic surgery was negligent

If you think that you might have received negligent care, then you may be entitled to a compensation claim for negligent cosmetic surgery. This can help you to get through the physical and mental pain that can result from a botched cosmetic surgery, and even pay for further treatment to fix the issue.

You can see our FAQ, and find out more about making a cosmetic surgery compensation claim, here.