Cosmetic Surgery for Men
Date:
1/21/2010 | 12:00 pm
Men love fixing things. Each year, instead of just taking their car into a body shop for a quick fix, over one million men take themselves in too. Tired of fiddling around, more and more men are turning to plastic surgery to restore their face and body, parts they can’t repair themselves or those they want to upgrade.
If you’re one of the growing number of men interested in more than just puttering around with your looks and shape, submit a question and chat with Dr. Martha S. Matthews, one of the region’s premier plastic surgeons. Learn more about the surgeries and procedures men choose the most: nose reshaping, eyelid surgery, liposuction, chest enhancements and more.
Martha S. Matthews, M.D., F.A.C.S., is head of the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Cooper, and an Associate Professor of Surgery at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School at Camden. She has been honored as a “Top Doc” by Philadelphia magazine, New Jersey Monthly and South Jersey Magazine. Dr. Matthews is a graduate of Jefferson Medical School and completed her internship at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. Her residency in plastic surgery was completed at Eastern Virginia Medical School. Dr. Matthews is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Her special interests are cosmetic surgery and pediatric plastic surgery. She sees patients at offices in Voorhees and Camden.
Martha S. Matthews, M.D.: This week’s eTalk is an interesting topic – Cosmetic Surgery for Men. This topic is not just for women. More and more men are choosing to have a nip or tuck to improve their health and psychological discomfort they might have. We see men from their 20’s well into their 60’s looking into these options. If you are considering surgery or have had surgery and have questions regarding your experience, please send me your questions. I’m looking forward to “talking” with you.
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What kind of results can one expect from abdominal liposuction and chest enhancements? Jim from Philadelphia |
1/21/2010 12:00:37 PM |
Martha S. Matthews, M.D.:
It depends. The best candidates for liposuction are not overweight, and have good skin tone. The fat removed is removed permanently, however, you can still gain weight later if you are not careful. Unfortunately, it isn't a substitute for diet and exercise. Also, liposuction can't treat fat that is inside the abdominal cavity. This is a particular problem in men, but women can have it too. The only solution to intraabdominal fat is losing weight. However, many people can obtain a satisfying change in their appearance with liposuction, even people who are a little overweight. Liposuction is often the answer for the man who is in otherwise good shape, but has stubborn "love handles."
You would need to have a consultation and exam to find out what you can expect as a result. Removal of male breast tissue can also be a very satisfying change for men. There are operations to insert chest (pectoral) implants in men to improve the chest contour, however there are many potential issues with these that would need to be carefully considered.
You would need to have a consultation and exam to find out what you can expect as a result. Removal of male breast tissue can also be a very satisfying change for men. There are operations to insert chest (pectoral) implants in men to improve the chest contour, however there are many potential issues with these that would need to be carefully considered.
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Dr., about 15 years ago I had liposuction, but the fat was not removed from the gut area. What are the new procedures for getting rid of fat? Thank you. Lee from Marlton |
1/21/2010 12:03:25 PM |
Martha S. Matthews, M.D.:
There are 3 potential problem areas in the abdomen. The first is having excess fat beneath the skin that was not removed the first time. Repeat liposuction can help. Using ultrasound technique can help to break up stubborn fat, and I also use power liposuction to remove fat more easily.
The second potential problem is that there is loose skin. It may seem like there is too much fat, but in reality it is excess skin. The doctor can tell the difference on exam. In this case, an abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, is the answer. Women have this surgery much more frequently than men, because pregnancy stretches out the belly and makes it necessary. But men can have excellent results as well from this.
The third potential problem is intraabdominal fat. This is fat that is in the abdominal cavity, around the internal organs. it is not under the skin, and is not accessible to liposuction. This is a common problem, and the only answer is weight loss. There are no surgical procedures to safely remove this fat.
One way you can get an idea if this is the problem is to lie down. If your gut sticks up in the air even when you are lying flat, it probably is because of intraabdominal fat. If your stomach flattens out, then your problem is either excess skin, or excess superficial fat, which will respond to surgery- OR your muscles are weak and you need to do some crunches.
The second potential problem is that there is loose skin. It may seem like there is too much fat, but in reality it is excess skin. The doctor can tell the difference on exam. In this case, an abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, is the answer. Women have this surgery much more frequently than men, because pregnancy stretches out the belly and makes it necessary. But men can have excellent results as well from this.
The third potential problem is intraabdominal fat. This is fat that is in the abdominal cavity, around the internal organs. it is not under the skin, and is not accessible to liposuction. This is a common problem, and the only answer is weight loss. There are no surgical procedures to safely remove this fat.
One way you can get an idea if this is the problem is to lie down. If your gut sticks up in the air even when you are lying flat, it probably is because of intraabdominal fat. If your stomach flattens out, then your problem is either excess skin, or excess superficial fat, which will respond to surgery- OR your muscles are weak and you need to do some crunches.
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I turned 40 and all of sudden my eyelids started to drop and I had more skin on the top of my eyes than I ever had before especially in the morning, I am thinking about eyelid surgery how much does it run(ball park figure) and how long will it last? Maria from Williamstown |
1/21/2010 12:05:28 PM |
Martha S. Matthews, M.D.:
The eyes are usually the first place that aging shows up. Loose skin on the upper eyelids can cause a tired look Fortunately, upper eyelid rejuvenation (upper lid blepharoplasty) is a safe surgery that has little pain.
I've had the operation myself and I love it! It is a very popular surgery for men, because it gives a refreshed look without looking "operated". The surgery is done under twilight anesthesia and takes about an hour to 90 minutes. You can go home the same day.
Many people have other procedures done at the same time- commonly, lower lid blepharoplasty for bags under the eyes, or browlift.
The surgery lasts a long time, but of course you continue to age. A person who has a blepharoplasty in his or her 40s may want to have a browlift or a revision in 10-15 years.
Costs are somewhat individual. Connie in our office will be glad to discuss them over the phone with you, after hearing about your particular circumstances. Her number is 856 325-6768.
I've had the operation myself and I love it! It is a very popular surgery for men, because it gives a refreshed look without looking "operated". The surgery is done under twilight anesthesia and takes about an hour to 90 minutes. You can go home the same day.
Many people have other procedures done at the same time- commonly, lower lid blepharoplasty for bags under the eyes, or browlift.
The surgery lasts a long time, but of course you continue to age. A person who has a blepharoplasty in his or her 40s may want to have a browlift or a revision in 10-15 years.
Costs are somewhat individual. Connie in our office will be glad to discuss them over the phone with you, after hearing about your particular circumstances. Her number is 856 325-6768.
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Is Botox just for women? What can it do for me - I'm 63 years old and hate my wrinkles. Carl from Haddonfield |
1/21/2010 12:09:20 PM |
Martha S. Matthews, M.D.:
I have a loyal group of male patients who love their botox! I can tell you that most plastic surgeons, male and female, who offer botox in their practice use it themselves as well.
Botox works by paralyzing the muscles that cause wrinkles. It only works in the area in which it is injected. However, it isn't the answer for all wrinkles. The FDA (the government agency that approves drugs) has approved botox for use for glabellar wrinkles- the frown lines between the eyebrows. Doctors also commonly use Botox in other areas in what is called "off label use". These areas include the "crows feet" around the eyes, and forehead wrinkles.
Botox is usually not the answer for wrinkles around the mouth, or for loose or sagging skin. It also isn't the answer for severely sun damaged skin (that alligator skin look).
Botox is very effective in relaxing wrinkles in certain areas, but it is definately temporary. Botox lasts about 3 months.
Good skin care can help a lot in making skin better looking. Men often neglect this aspect of care- soap and water and shaving cream are not the most effective way of getting smooth skin! Other options for skin include chemical peels, laser resurfacing, and prescription medications such as retin-A. Men also can benefit from facelifts and other rejuvenating surgeries.
Connie, our aesthetician, is happy to give you a complimentary skin evaluation and to suggest products, facial treatments, or set up a consultation with a doctor if you like. Her phone number is 856 325-6768.
Botox works by paralyzing the muscles that cause wrinkles. It only works in the area in which it is injected. However, it isn't the answer for all wrinkles. The FDA (the government agency that approves drugs) has approved botox for use for glabellar wrinkles- the frown lines between the eyebrows. Doctors also commonly use Botox in other areas in what is called "off label use". These areas include the "crows feet" around the eyes, and forehead wrinkles.
Botox is usually not the answer for wrinkles around the mouth, or for loose or sagging skin. It also isn't the answer for severely sun damaged skin (that alligator skin look).
Botox is very effective in relaxing wrinkles in certain areas, but it is definately temporary. Botox lasts about 3 months.
Good skin care can help a lot in making skin better looking. Men often neglect this aspect of care- soap and water and shaving cream are not the most effective way of getting smooth skin! Other options for skin include chemical peels, laser resurfacing, and prescription medications such as retin-A. Men also can benefit from facelifts and other rejuvenating surgeries.
Connie, our aesthetician, is happy to give you a complimentary skin evaluation and to suggest products, facial treatments, or set up a consultation with a doctor if you like. Her phone number is 856 325-6768.
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I'm 55 and seeing lots of wrinkles on my face and neck - more than what they call crows ft on women - but I don't really want surgery. Can you give me any advice? Some of this is probably sun exposure over the years. Jerry from LBI |
1/21/2010 12:12:58 PM |
Martha S. Matthews, M.D.:
There are lots of options depending on the area, and how much tolerance you have for waiting for results, down time, expense, etc.
The first bit of advice is to make your skin the best it can be. Most mature skin benefits from exfoliation- a glycolic skin lotion or cream works well for many people. There are also products that improve fine wrinkles, like Kinerase, and products such as hydroquinone, that bleach out brown spots. Salon or office facials and peels can also help smooth and soften skin, remove blackheads, tighten pores, etc. All of these home care products take time to see an effect, however. The effects are also usually not dramatic- an improvement but not a miracle.
Botox is a good option for crows feet and forehead wrinkles, but isn't usually helpful in the lower face.
Deeper chemical peels and laser resurfacing can also give good results for wrinkles, but the downtime is often similar to surgery for recovery.
First thing I'd advise is getting advice on skin care from an aesthetician. Many doctor's offices, including ours, has this service. There are also salons, and even the cosmetics reps in the department stores who are trained to answer these questions. Then, if you are interested in the more extensive procedures, or if home care is not enough, come for a consultation and hear all of your options. Maybe surgery is the right answer for you, and you may find that when you have all the facts, you are comfortable with that.
The first bit of advice is to make your skin the best it can be. Most mature skin benefits from exfoliation- a glycolic skin lotion or cream works well for many people. There are also products that improve fine wrinkles, like Kinerase, and products such as hydroquinone, that bleach out brown spots. Salon or office facials and peels can also help smooth and soften skin, remove blackheads, tighten pores, etc. All of these home care products take time to see an effect, however. The effects are also usually not dramatic- an improvement but not a miracle.
Botox is a good option for crows feet and forehead wrinkles, but isn't usually helpful in the lower face.
Deeper chemical peels and laser resurfacing can also give good results for wrinkles, but the downtime is often similar to surgery for recovery.
First thing I'd advise is getting advice on skin care from an aesthetician. Many doctor's offices, including ours, has this service. There are also salons, and even the cosmetics reps in the department stores who are trained to answer these questions. Then, if you are interested in the more extensive procedures, or if home care is not enough, come for a consultation and hear all of your options. Maybe surgery is the right answer for you, and you may find that when you have all the facts, you are comfortable with that.
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I've lost over 200 pounds and now have rolls of skin everywhere on my body. Can surgery take care of this? How extensive is it? And, will my health insurance cover it? Jim from Mount Laurel |
1/21/2010 12:16:25 PM |
Martha S. Matthews, M.D.:
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I am a 55 yr old woman with a flabby neck for years its only getting worst. What would be the right corse of treatment? lipo or does it have to be a lift ? I have heard of a minnimal procedure with little down timea so called lunch time lift cing a wire behind the ear just under the skin? Gaudiosi from Medford |
1/21/2010 12:19:28 PM |
Martha S. Matthews, M.D.:
The first option might be lipo, but only if your skin tone is very good. Frankly, most people in their 50s are not great candidates for lipo alone, because they have loose skin also.
A necklift is the right answer if you have loose neck skin, but you don't have any jowls or loose facial skin. If you have some jowls, a neck lift alone will tend to make that look worse. In most cases, a full facelift is needed to create a harmonious appearance.
The mini facelifts such as you mention are variations on a facelift that are not as extensive. In general, smaller procedures are best for smaller problems. There are also procedures in which small threads are used under the skin to pull it up without much surgery. These do work, but don't last very long in most people.
At your consultation, the doctor will examine you and then discuss various options. It is important for you to understand what the LIKELY result would be for a given operation for your particular circumstances.
A necklift is the right answer if you have loose neck skin, but you don't have any jowls or loose facial skin. If you have some jowls, a neck lift alone will tend to make that look worse. In most cases, a full facelift is needed to create a harmonious appearance.
The mini facelifts such as you mention are variations on a facelift that are not as extensive. In general, smaller procedures are best for smaller problems. There are also procedures in which small threads are used under the skin to pull it up without much surgery. These do work, but don't last very long in most people.
At your consultation, the doctor will examine you and then discuss various options. It is important for you to understand what the LIKELY result would be for a given operation for your particular circumstances.
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I have been diagnosed with gynecomastia. I am 30 years old. What are the alternatives - I know surgery - but how extensive is it, are lasers used for this? Thanks. Dean from Philadelphia |
1/21/2010 12:23:43 PM |
Martha S. Matthews, M.D.:
Gynecomastia is male breast development. It can be due to medications, some street drugs such as marajuana, or to hormonal imbalances. It can also occur without any of these problems- basically we don't know why it happens in some men. Obesity can also make it look like there is breast development.
If there is a correctable cause, such as a medication, that should be done first. If the person is overweight, weight loss is recommended. If none of that applies, then surgery is usually recommended.
In some cases, liposuction alone can work. this is done through small incisions in the armpits. Scarring is minimal, and most people can be back to normal activities within a week.
In many cases, however, the breast tissue must be removed with surgery. Incisions are made around the edge of the nipple and the breast tissue is cut out. Most people are out of work for a week or so, and can't do heavy activity with the arms for a few weeks.
In severe cases, sometimes the excess skin has to be removed as well. There is more extensive scarring with this, and the patient must decide if the trade-off of more scars is worth it to be rid of the breasts.
All of these surgeries are outpatient. Most are done under general anesthesia in an outpatient operating facility.
Insurance sometimes covers this if there is a medical problem, such as a hormone imbalance. In many cases, however, it is considered cosmetic. The primary care doctor is normally the doctor who will do the workup to see if there is a medical problem. If you have gynecomastia, the first step is to see your primary care doctor.
If there is a correctable cause, such as a medication, that should be done first. If the person is overweight, weight loss is recommended. If none of that applies, then surgery is usually recommended.
In some cases, liposuction alone can work. this is done through small incisions in the armpits. Scarring is minimal, and most people can be back to normal activities within a week.
In many cases, however, the breast tissue must be removed with surgery. Incisions are made around the edge of the nipple and the breast tissue is cut out. Most people are out of work for a week or so, and can't do heavy activity with the arms for a few weeks.
In severe cases, sometimes the excess skin has to be removed as well. There is more extensive scarring with this, and the patient must decide if the trade-off of more scars is worth it to be rid of the breasts.
All of these surgeries are outpatient. Most are done under general anesthesia in an outpatient operating facility.
Insurance sometimes covers this if there is a medical problem, such as a hormone imbalance. In many cases, however, it is considered cosmetic. The primary care doctor is normally the doctor who will do the workup to see if there is a medical problem. If you have gynecomastia, the first step is to see your primary care doctor.
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My wife has had work done on her face and now I look like her father. Is there something that can be done for me without making me look like I had surgery? Frank from Cherry Hill |
1/21/2010 12:25:39 PM |
Martha S. Matthews, M.D.:
I see a lot of men who tell me the same thing- and I have a lot of women who tell me they'd love to bring in their spouse for a little help!
The best surgery for men who don't want to look like they've had surgery is a blepharoplasty- eyelid lift. Most of us over the age of 40 have some extra skin in the eyelids. This surgery is great to give a "refreshed" look.
The other great option is botox in the frown lines. Many men have very heavy lines between their eyebrows that make them look angry, even when they are not. Botox can relax them in a subtle way.
Cosmetic facial surgery and treatment for men is different than for women. When I treat a man, I want to make sure I don't make him look feminine. What looks great on a woman doesn't necessarily look great on a guy. Most men don't want an operated look, either.
Most guys have lots of options, and a good surgeon should be able to work with you to get you a result you are happy with.
The best surgery for men who don't want to look like they've had surgery is a blepharoplasty- eyelid lift. Most of us over the age of 40 have some extra skin in the eyelids. This surgery is great to give a "refreshed" look.
The other great option is botox in the frown lines. Many men have very heavy lines between their eyebrows that make them look angry, even when they are not. Botox can relax them in a subtle way.
Cosmetic facial surgery and treatment for men is different than for women. When I treat a man, I want to make sure I don't make him look feminine. What looks great on a woman doesn't necessarily look great on a guy. Most men don't want an operated look, either.
Most guys have lots of options, and a good surgeon should be able to work with you to get you a result you are happy with.
Martha S. Matthews, M.D.
: Thank you to all of you who sent questions for our eTalk today. We certainly covered a number of topics having to do with plastic surgery. My colleagues and I would be most happy to further discuss your options, just click on the button above to reach our Physician Referral Service for available appointments. Have a great day!
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