Cosmetic plastic surgery is not just for women. Nor is it limited to the trendy "metrosexual" male. Men of all backgrounds are turning to cosmetic plastic surgery to feel more confident, look younger and to move up the corporate ladder. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons publishes an annual report of the previous year’s procedure statistics. The most popular minimally invasive cosmetic procedures for men in 2010 were:
1. BOTOX injections
In 2010, 337,000 BOTOX injections were performed on men--an increase of 9 percent over the previous year. BOTOX injections are used to reduce the appearance of vertical lines between the eyebrows (glabellar lines), horizontal lines on the forehead and wrinkles at the outer edges of the eye (“crow’s feet”).
2. Laser Hair Removal
Women aren’t the only ones trying to get rid of unwanted hair! In 2010, 165,000 laser hair removal treatment procedures were performed on men. This was a 4 percent increase from 2009. Laser hair removal involves using a laser to destroy hair follicles and ultimately decrease unwanted hair growth.
3. Microdermabrasion
In 2010, 158,000 microdermabrasion procedures were performed on men. Microdermabrasion uses tiny crystals to exfoliate the outermost layer of skin cells and stimulate cell growth of the underlying skin.
4. Chemical Peel
Coming in at No. 4 on the list is chemical peels. Around 90,000 chemical peels were performed on men in 2010. Chemical peels involve the application of a chemical agent on the face and/or neck to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage, skin discoloration, mild acne scars and some forms of acne.
5. Soft Tissue Fillers
Men want to look younger longer, and without the downtime of major surgery. 78,000 soft tissue filler (dermal filler) injections were performed on men in 2010. This number was a ten percent increase from 2009. Dermal fillers are used to add volume to cheeks and lips, decrease facial creases, fill wrinkles and improve the appearance of depressed scars.
