Let’s be honest, getting older is unavoidable. As are the changes that come with it. No matter how good you may feel about yourself, it’s going to happen. The first place you’ll notice it is in your appearance.
I’ll be first to admit that I look at myself under a microscope. When looking in the mirror, I can’t help but wonder what I’d look like and how I would feel if I made some minor cosmetic changes. I’d be lying if I said I’ve never considered plastic surgery to fix the things that I don’t necessarily like about myself. These changes slowly but surely creep their way into our lives and before you know it, you’re standing in the mirror, naked, wondering where the hell these love handles came from.
I’ve always danced with the idea of fixing my nose and maybe even getting fuller lips- small fixes that could help retain my youth. I’ve struggled with the reality of it all due to fear, up until my own boyfriend admitted he was considering some minor improvements in his appearance.
At first, I was completely blown away; some guys love their girls au’natural, however, the pure fact that he was even considering it alongside me made me feel more comfortable. But honestly, a guy getting plastic surgery? It all just seemed a bit far-fetched and all I envisioned in my head was the human Ken doll.
However, the more I looked into this new world, I came to realize that male plastic surgery is now, more than ever, on the rise to becoming a norm. According to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the number of men going under the knife for cosmetic purposes has increased more than 106% between 1997 and 2012.
A large majority of people, myself included, always associate plastic surgery with women and the common procedures that they seek. I’m stuck in the mindset that older women want to look younger with perky boobs, a wrinkle-free face, high cheekbones and smooth skin. As for the younger women, they seek larger breasts, a curvaceous rear, fuller lips and a slimmer nose. These are among a laundry list of other procedures that women undergo for cosmetic purposes.
But what about the men? Are they seeking out the same procedures as women? Not quite. According to Dr. Steinbrech, while men do want to achieve and maintain a more attractive appearance, they are also seeking out cosmetic surgery for purposes other than vanity. Those men that hold a strong position in the professional world, whether it be CEO or team leader, they want to appear in a more favorable manner. Maintaining a fit, clean and healthy look can help you appear more youthful and boosts self-confidence. How you carry and present yourself has so much to do with how you look and how people perceive you.
Other types of men may be interested in enhancing their overall appearance to help them in the entertainment industry. An aspiring male model is going to seek out different procedures from the CEO because his end goal is vastly different. This patient is typically looking to get chiseled abs, a defined jaw line and strong facial structure to help them appear as the “model” type. If you aren’t born with it, buy it. It’s the same driving principle behind all women getting work done.
Now, I’m not saying my boyfriend is looking to be the next real-life G.I. Joe, however, the option alone to change something about himself that he simply can’t achieve with hard work and healthy habits make plastic surgery far more appealing in his eyes. Of course, I’m going to tell him that he’s perfect the way he is, however it’s important to keep in mind that people do not always see themselves the way others do. I can’t sit and tell somebody not to go through with a certain procedure just because I think they look fine. It comes down to how they feel about the way they look.
As someone who firmly believes that your ultimate goal in life should be achieving the best version of who you are, why not consider these options? Plastic surgery is no longer for the rich and famous; it’s for the regular, common life dwellers who want to look as good as they feel or want to increase their self-esteem.
