Is Male Plastic Surgery Safe?

Posted June 28, 2019 in Male Plastic Surgery

Many men relish the idea of plastic surgery: the ability to walk into the doctor’s office with an aged face or an undesirable body contour and walk out with a transformed appearance, almost like magic.

This concept sounds nearly too good to be true, and despite how accessible plastic surgery is, many men are still convinced that it’s not something they can utilize. Male plastic surgery is still not as readily accepted as female plastic surgery, and much of this has to do with men’s hesitance with accepting that not only does plastic surgery work, but it is also safe.

What Can Male Plastic Surgery Enhance?

The Face

Facelift surgery targets noticeable features of aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles, loose skin, sun damage, and excessive jowls on the lower face, jawline, and neck. These traits distort the appearance of a firm and masculine jawline.

A facelift is performed by making incisions on either side of the face, starting at the temples and running down and around the ear. Underlying tissues are tightened through these incisions, and excess skin is removed. By addressing both the skin and underlying tissues, a more natural appearance can be achieved. You will still look like you—just a younger and more rested version of you.

Rhinoplasty sculpts and molds the structure of the nose to get rid of aesthetic concerns like humps, bumps, flared nostrils, or a crooked nose that many men are born with.

Dr. Chin uses an incision across the thin piece of tissue that separates the nostrils to expose the underlying tissue and will shave down or augment the cartilage and bone. With rhinoplasty, men can achieve a nasal profile that blends well with the rest of their face.

The Body

Liposuction, tummy tuck surgery, and gynecomastia surgery can all help men achieve the trim, sculpted bodies that seem unattainable through diet and exercise alone. Liposuction can be applied to nearly any region of the body to remove pockets of fat. This procedure is minimally invasive and requires small incisions that heal quickly.

For men who have already lost a significant amount of weight, tummy tuck surgery is an ideal way to get rid of any remaining loose skin. During this procedure, a horizontal incision is made along the lower region of the abdomen. Abdominal muscles are then tightened, and excess skin is surgically excised. This procedure results in a firmer and more muscular-looking abdomen.

Gynecomastia, often referred to as “man boobs”, can result from several factors such as hormonal changes, weight gain, steroid abuse, and use of certain medications. Because gynecomastia is resistant to diet and exercise, it is best treated through liposuction, surgical excision of the breast tissue, or a combination of both.

What Are the Risks?

Plastic surgery, like any invasive procedure, comes with its share of risks. Whenever something involves anesthesia, incisions, and the manipulation of skin, tissue, and fat, there is a chance that complications will arise.

These complications can include reactions to anesthesia, infection, bleeding, prolonged bruising and swelling, numbness, loss of skin sensation, and scarring.

These risks are serious and would make anyone consider the pros and cons of the surgery; however, it is important to remember that these are typically the worst-case scenarios and that these complications are increasingly rare.

In many cases, men claim that their recovery period was more comfortable than they expected, and they felt as though they could potentially return to work and normal activities even before they were cleared to do so.

The preparation for your surgery and the success of your recovery is highly dependent on your decision making—after all, staying safe and healthy after your procedure is just as much your responsibility as it is your surgeon’s. By following all of your surgeon’s pre and postoperative instructions, you can feel confident that you will be doing everything you can to ensure a speedy recovery.

It is important to give yourself ample time to rest, avoid excess strain on your body, properly care for your wounds, keep an eye on your wrappings and drains, and refrain from smoking or drinking until it is deemed safe by your surgeon.

Of course, the quality of the surgery itself is most dependent on your surgeon; that is why it is essential that you find a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Chin, who has extensive knowledge and experience in the plastic surgery field.

Plastic surgery allows men to achieve the bodies and the youthful facial appearances that they want with accuracy and safety. Yes, there are risks; but for most men, the slight chance of complications is a small price to pay for the aesthetic rewards that they can experience.

If you are considering male plastic surgery, contact Dr. Chin at the Valley Institute of Plastic Surgery by calling (559) 435-9646 or by filling out our online contact form.