It's not just a girl thing anymore; more and more men are deciding to go under the knife for a little nip tuck action. And apparently, behind a lot of the men who have plastic surgery is a woman encouraging them to do it.
New numbers released
today from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons show cosmetic procedures in the U.S. jumped in 2010, thanks in part to the growing number of men trying to fix anything that droops, sags or wiggles! Another growing trend is the type of man setting up appointments. Stephen Baker is a plastic surgeon who practices and teaches at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. He says surgery isn't just for pretty boys and Hollywood types.
"Typically people think of celebrities and high profile men going under the knife, and while that may be true, the typical male cosmetic surgery patient that I see is an average guy who wants to look as good as he feels. Most of my patients are 'men's men,' the kind of guy you might not think would have plastic surgery."
And you'd better believe there's no shame in their game! Dr. Baker says times are certainly changing, and so is society's view on the matter.
"The barriers are dropped. I think that men don't really view it as something that they should feel guilty about or feel weird about. They want to look good and they want to look good now, so when they have the financial means to do it, they do it."
While some of these "everyday guys" are looking to get a leg up against younger men in the workforce, many are actually baby boomers enjoying longer, healthier lives. For example, take Joe Marek of Laurel, Maryland. Marek is a healthy, active 57-year old who says, "I got tired of people telling me 'You look tired.'" So, Marek went to Dr. Baker for a full facelift and procedures on his eye lids and nose.
"I didn't feel that
old, I felt young" he said. "I was working out, I was pretty active and I kind of wanted to look like I felt inside."
Joe also said his 52-year-old girlfriend, Norma Nouvet, supported his decision to have plastic surgery. Norma says she's "all for it" and Joe seems like a new man.
"He feels much better. I believe he's in touch with his inner child. He's a lot more fun. He's even more outgoing."
Norma adds that not only does she like the results, she says it seems other ladies are taking notice as well!
"Well I have noticed that when we go to the supermarket the ladies will kind of walk toward him a little bit more now. And he doesn't notice, but I have noticed!"
Joe Before Joe After
And while Joe and Norma are pleased with the results, Joe says to take your time before going under.
“Research it thoroughly. Go to a certified plastic surgeon, look at some of their work, maybe talk to other patients. Especially if you are considering a facelift." He adds it's important to remember, “It is major surgery and it’s not to be taken lightly. You know, its not something you want to have done in the mall.”
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