Here are seven more reasons the man in your life may be considering a visit to Hess Plastic Surgery.

1. He’s Growing Tired of Those Tired Eyes

“The cosmetic surgery procedure men want the most these days is lower eyelid surgery,” writes Dr. Pat McMenamin of Sacramento. The latest statistics agree. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more than 30,000 eyelid surgery procedures were done for men in 2010, showing an increase of 4 percent over 2009. The numbers suggest that plenty of men are not too thrilled about looking like “the walking dead,” as Brennan, a male surgery patient describes himself on Youtube.

Brennan chose to undergo eyelid surgery in Beverly Hills. “I’m going to get my eyes done,” he says as he walks into the office of plastic surgeon Dr. Gerald Minniti. After eyelid surgery he says his eye bags and dark circles are resolved: “it’s gone, so every time I look in the mirror that is eliminated,” he confidently explains.

2. For a Refined, Yet Masculine Nose

Since ancient times, the appearance of one’s nose has been a vital, even symbolic, part of a man’s face. The earliest nasal surgeries were most likely performed on men, including the Byzantine emperor Justinian II in the eighth century.

One scholar and surgeon writes:

Known as the Rhinometus or “the one with the amputated nose,” Justinian II was overthrown and his nose mutilated so that his disfigured appearance would prohibit him from regaining the status of emperor. These efforts were futile, as he subsequently returned to power after benefiting from nasal reconstruction.

Today, rhinoplasty remains one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures. “For both men and women, rhinoplasty has increased significantly in the last 2 years,” says Dr. Cuzalina of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

But the procedure isn’t identical for either gender. A man’s rhinoplasty should always preserve a masculine appearance. In men, it is generally considered inappropriate to significantly reduce nasal size or excessively refine the nasal tip.

Instead, surgeons focus on making small changes, such as reduction of the dorsal hump, narrowing of the nasal base or subtle refinement of the nasal tip. “Men typically want a hump removed or a smaller nasal tip, but we also see men who want revision surgeries from a previous rhinoplasty,” explains Cuzalina. In some cases, men also choose rhinoplasty to change ethnic features or address the signs of aging.

3. Undoing Obesity Brings Unexpected Changes

As physicians and other experts implement solutions for the obesity problem in America, more men are experiencing the after-effects of major weight loss. Roughly one third of the U.S. male population is obese (with BMI greater than 30). Some are turning to bariatric surgery, while others are hitting the gym with greater intensity. Unfortunately either weight loss method can leave you with folds of loose hanging skin on your body.

In this situation, a guy can turn to his cosmetic or plastic surgeon for body contouring. On the website of Dr. Jagdev Heir, Matt from Sacramento explains his post-weight loss procedure:

“After losing so much weight, I was left with a lot of excess, hanging skin on my stomach and abdominal areas. I was at a good weight, but I looked pretty bad. I thought I’d just have to learn to live with it. When I discussed it with my regular doctor, he recommended abdominoplasty surgery…”

Post-weight loss issues are showing up more in media as more celebrities undergo bariatric surgery. Rapper Paul Wall was the latest to comment on his gastric bypass. “I lost 100 pounds, so I’m back at my fight weight. I’m ready. The champ is back,” he says in an interview for Ballerstatus.com.

4. Chest Concerns: Gynecomastia, Pectoral Implants and Pectoral Etching

Although it is quite exaggerated in size, an idealized male chest is highly sought after by body-conscious men. Enhancing the chest can mean different things for different men; some want to reduce excess chest fat while others want to pump up the pectoral muscles.

In 2010, more than 18,000 American men had a breast reduction to remove excess tissue (Gynecomastia). “Many of these young men are well built and in great physical condition, but just have excess fat and glandular tissue in the chest,” observes cosmetic surgeon Dr. Jacob Haiavy of southern California.

A smaller, but still significant group of men (more than 200) chose to augment their chests with pectoral implants.

One more option exists for chest contouring, that few people know about. Some surgeons are offering a procedure called “pectoral etching,” which involves lipo-sculpting the chest tissue to create the appearance of muscle definition.

An article in PRS Journal introduced this technique a few years ago:

“Non-athletes are requesting pectoral etching to add palpable pectoral inscriptions to their chests, particularly in conjunction with upper and lower body lipectomy. It is among our most popular procedures for men because the puncture scars are virtually undetectable, there are no rejection issues associated, and the result is permanent, resulting in a physique that often remains elusive even after routine strength training.”

5. Beyond Hair Club® – More and Better Options in Hair Restoration

By the age of thirty-five two-thirds of American men will experience some degree of appreciable hair loss, and by the age of fifty approximately 85% of men have significantly thinning hair.

– American Hair Loss Association

In 2010, more than 13,000 men chose a hair transplantation procedure from a plastic surgeon. New hair restoration methods are continually being developed. One of the newer techniques, follicular unit extraction, grew to rapid popularity over the last five years, probably because it is considered “less invasive.”

In a recent guest post on realself.com, Dr. Jeffrey Epstein explains that the popularity of FUE has “largely leveled off,” because the technique achieves a slightly lower rate of hair regrowth when compared to follicular unit grafting, which, Epstein says, can produce 90% hair regrowth.

Another hair restoration advancement is the introduction of bio-stimulation lasers. The iGrow system, for example, is a helmet that contains laser and LED diodes, which deliver energy to the scalp for hair restoration at home. Some plastic surgeons, including Dr. Barry DiBernardo of New Jersey, have added the iGrow to their list of non-surgical treatments.

6. Male Boomers Remain Competitive Through the Recession

“Men are the victims of two thirds of the 11 million jobs lost since the recession began in 2007.”

- Newsweek

During the recession, male-dominant industries were hit disproportionately hard with layoffs. In the current economic recovery, it shouldn’t be surprising to hear that men are seeking a competitive advantage over their (often younger) peers.

“A lot of these guys think that in order to compete in the workplace – to compete with younger guys – that they need to look better,” said clinical psychologist Jeff Gardere, on a recent CBS Early Show appearance.

“In our tough economic environment, men want to look more youthful so they can compete for and retain jobs that younger people are competing for,” comments Indiana plastic surgeon David Robinson, and “plastic surgery is playing an increasingly important role for these men.”

Dr. Richard Rand of Bellevue Washington shared a similar view: “With companies downsizing their senior executive pool in the struggling economy, many have found it critical to look as young and robust as possible,” says the Seattle area doctor. “As facial rejuvenation techniques have evolved, with a very natural and un-operated look that retains masculinity, more men are having facelifts and eyelid surgery,” he further explains.

A large number of practicing cosmetic surgeons are men in the very same age group, so they understand the desire to keep up appearances. “As a boomer myself, I identify with men my age who exercise, act young, and feel young,” remarks Philadelphia plastic surgeon Bruce Genter.

7. Influential Men – Politicians and Celebrities – Are Doing It

Tabloid speculation about politicians, celebrities and other influential men “having work done” has put the spotlight on cosmetic surgery options. Even for men who don’t pay attention to Hollywood, these examples are nearly impossible to ignore.

“Media, Hollywood and advertising have all influenced men regarding what looks good and why cosmetic surgery may be an option,” says Tulsa cosmetic surgeon Angelo Cuzalina.

Last week, the Boston Herald wrote an article claiming that John Kerry looked “better than he did a decade ago.” As hard-hitting journalists should, they asked local experts for their opinions. Boston plastic surgeon Dr. Fouad Samaha observed that Kerry “looked his age in 2002, with the loss of facial volume resulting in hollow cheeks and deepening of the folds around the nose and mouth.” But now in 2011, Kerry’s appearance is visibly improved.

Dr. Samaha explains: “Although this can happen naturally, it is likely that these areas were ‘enhanced’ and that volume was added. Many techniques are available to achieve this result, and it would be difficult to say which was done here.” He also adds, “if Senator Kerry had any ‘work’ done, it was done very tastefully, enhancing his features without creating something that looks artificial.”

According to a New York Times article, Chavez appeared on state television last weekend to denounce Venezuela’s burgeoning breast enhancement market, criticizing the amount of money spent on cosmetic procedures and shaming plastic surgeons who Chavez says “convince some women that if they don’t have some big bosoms, they should feel bad.”

Leading Venezuelan plastic surgeon Dr. Ramon Zapata disagreed with Chavez’s take on cosmetic breast surgery, saying, “I don’t think there should be any type of discrimination against these aesthetic procedures.”

El Nacional, an opposition newspaper, unsurprisingly also contested Chavez’s comments, comparing the Venezuelan leader to Libyan leader Muammar el-Qaddafi and saying, “Now comes this antiquated, militaristic, coarse, repressive attitude on the freedom of women to do what they want with their bodies.”

Regardless of whether one agrees with Chavez’s comments, they are well-timed in their delivery. Billboards in the country’s capital advertise loans for plastic surgery, gossip blogs teem with talk about cosmetic enhancement and the Venezuelan Society of Plastic Surgeons estimates that between 30,000 and 40,000 Venezuelan women seek breast implant surgery each year.

Although Chavez has questioned the motives of breast augmentation patients, asking, “What is this, friend?!” he has not yet taken any action to prevent the thousands of Venezuelan women who desire bigger breasts from seeking plastic surgery, nor Venezuelan plastic surgeons from offering the procedure.

Authors of the study, Dr. Robert Shaw, Jr. and others at the University of Rochester Medical Center, analyzed computed tomographic scans of the facial bones for three age groups: young (age 20 to 40); middle-aged (41 to 64); and older (65 and up). The scans of 20 women and 20 men were analyzed in each group.

Measurements revealed differences in the facial bone structure between age groups. “The facial skeleton experiences morphologic change and an overall decrease in volume with increasing age,” the researchers wrote.

The study found that the eye socket area became wider and longer in both men and women as they aged. Aging also caused reductions in bones in several areas of the face, including the brow, nose, upper jaw and lower jaw

Changes were observed in both men and women, but many occurred earlier in women — between the young and middle age groups. On the other hand, in men most of the changes occurred between middle age and old age.

The researchers believe that by using materials and techniques for skeletal augmentation, plastic and cosmetic surgeons can improve the outcomes of facial rejuvenation. “Skeletal augmentation offers a permanent rejuvenation of the facial skeleton and may be performed in conjunction with soft-tissue redraping,” according to the researchers.

Read more in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery journal

What really killed the beauty queen?

1. Don’t seek out unapproved medical procedures.

The “Argentine beauty queen” may have requested silicone injections for a buttock augmentation, a procedure that is not approved here in the U.S. or in Argentina.  In most cases, you should assume that such procedures are restricted for a good reason.

2. Don’t take the process lightly.

When you walk into a cosmetic surgeon’s office, it may not feel like a hospital, but it’s definitely not a spa.  Real surgeries are performed in your plastic surgeon’s suite, with real risks.

3. Investigate the surgery.

Your plastic surgeon should be a knowledgeable authority that you can trust, but you should still explore more than one resource for information on your procedure.  Research will help you protect yourself and help you decide if plastic surgery is truly in line with your personal values.

4. Ask your surgeon about board certification.

Find out what board has certified your surgeon and what standards must be met to receive that certification.

5. Ask about the safety of the facility.

If the surgery is done in an outpatient clinic, ask about accreditation of the facility.  As Tulsa cosmetic surgeon Dr. Angelo Cuzalina tells CNN, “You’re better off going to someone who cared enough to get the proper accreditation.”

6. Ask if your surgeon has a prevention plan for DVT.

Deep vein thrombosis is a possible complication.  Your plastic surgeon should take steps to minimize the risk and be prepared to see early signs of its occurrence.

7. Find out if your plastic surgeon has hospital privileges.

Even if you’re not going to be in a hospital, knowing that your plastic surgeon is privileged means he or she has demonstrated a certain level of skill and experience.

8. Ask about your surgeon’s experience with the procedure.

ASPS president Phil Haeck says it best: “Good surgeons expect you to research them and won’t be afraid to answer personal or tough questions.”

The bill was proposed last July but, according to Politico, rejected by the senate finance committee because it was a “public relations battle that senators were not willing to wage.”

A special bulletin sent out to ASPS members today argued that taxing elective procedures will be “discriminatory, arbitrary, ineffective, and a potential auditing nightmare.”

Discriminatory: Almost 90 percent of cosmetic procedures are undergone by women.

An auditing nightmare:  Malcolm Roth MD said it best: the tax “leaves the determination of medical necessity up to state tax auditors – a completely inappropriate proposition.”

Ineffective: At the state level, New Jersey tried to introduce the same thing and it simply didn’t work.  Why would we assume the federal government could do it on a large scale?

Arbitrary: The tax won’t apply to surgeries performed to “ameliorate a deformity arising from, or directly related to, a congenital abnormality, personal injury, or disfiguring disease.”  These might seem like easy distinctions to make, but trust me  – they are not.  Just try to define “abnormality” or even “disease” and you’re going to run into philosophical problems.

What’s really happening?…

This tax is more than likely a product of some blatant misperception by public servants in the Senate regarding the actual value – economic and interpersonal – of plastic surgery.  To call this a “sin tax” is to offend plastic surgeons and those who benefit from their services.  If the tax is intended to usurp luxury spending by the rich and famous, they’re way off the mark there as well; just read the statistics about who is pursuing cosmetic surgery in the U.S.  (hint: It’s the middle class.)

The NBC Today Show recently featured Sculptra aesthetic on their “Today’s Health” segment. Along with a treatment demonstration and some patient testimonials, Dr. Roshini Raj of the NYU school of medicine appears on the show to explain the details regarding Sculptra treatment. She covers the advantages and disadvantages of Sculptra and of course, compares the filler to Botox.

Sculptra was recently FDA approved for cosmetic use. While the wrinkle filler has been used off-label in cosmetic applications for a long time, the recent FDA clearance has spawned a renewed interest of the drug in the cosmetic surgery industry and in the media.

As a board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Hess can recommend the right surgical and non-surgical treatments to rejuvenate the appearance of your face and eyes.  Such treatments may include the following:

•    Upper or lower eyelid lift
•    A brow/forehead lift
•    Injection with Botox cosmetic
•    Injection of a dermal filler to add volume to sunken eye troughs

In some cases, patients benefit from a combination of the above options.

Many choose to combine eyelid surgery with a brow lift.  Choosing to undergo surgery (or even a non-surgical procedure) is a significant decision, so try to gather as much information as possible.  View before and after photos of patients like you, or speak to former patients and ask them questions like these:

• How was the procedure beneficial for you?
• Were you comfortable with your surgeon?
• Would you do it again?
• Would you do anything differently?

The eyes are one of the first features on the face to which most of us respond. You deserve to have eyes that radiate, eyes that brighten your face and eyes that reflect how young and energetic you truly feel.

If you’re ready to discuss your options in facial and eye rejuvenation, contact the Virginia surgery office of Christopher Hess.

Those interested in cosmetic and facial plastic surgery should first go through a sort of ‘lifestyle makeover,’ modifying their habits until they have reached a goal, whether it is weight loss or smoking cessation.  At Hess Plastic Surgery, we want our patients to have the best surgical experience possible, so we ask them to focus on being healthy. The ideal patient refrains from smoking or using illegal drugs, has a stable weight, and realistic expectations about plastic surgery.

Contact Dr Hess for a consultation and he can provide more specific information on health and surgery outcomes.

These type of services are becoming popular as more internet-savvy patients choose to research surgery procedures online. CNN reports that some surgeons have gone as far as implementing a “virtual consultation” using live chat services like Skype or iChat. These platforms are known for being user-friendly. One East coast surgeon claims that roughly 15 percent of his patients opt for the virtual consult.

Surgeons in foreign countries have also capitalized on new technology, which has allowed them to reach a wider clientele. For patients, it’s a great way to gather information and/or determine if they are comfortable with a surgeon. Michael Boeckle, who helps schedule surgery “vacation packages” for patients, says “patients usually do not pick their doctor by price, but by how comfortable they feel with the information they have received.”

If you decide to contact us, we can ensure your privacy. We’ll also do our best to address your questions in a timely manner.

This “liquid facelift” is referring to the injection of dermal fillers and Botox Cosmetic to achieve facial rejuvenation.  Don’t get me wrong; I’m a huge fan of both dermal fillers and Botox, but their uses are limited and specific.  These products provide excellent rejuvenation of the nasolabial folds, tear troughs, stubborn glabellar folds, marionette folds and the like.  Botox can reduce wrinkles aroung the eyes (crows feet), glabellar lines (between the eyes), forehead wrinkles, and (with a competent surgeon) wrinkles around the lips.

A facelift, on the other hand, tightens the deeper tissues of the face including the neck muscles and removes excess skin.  These are things that a “liquid facelift” will never achieve.  So the differences between a real facelift and a “liquid facelift” is like night and day.  A visit to your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon will help you determine what is best for you.  See our homepage here or call 703.752.6608 for a complementary consultation to determine your facial rejuvenation needs.