Increased competition also made cosmetic surgery more affordable, as well as the increase in income. Non-surgical and less-invasive procedures also allowed treatments to heal more quickly and go back to work sooner than in the past.
The cultural changes of the past decades also removed some of the stigmas associated with cosmetic surgery. Previously, men who underwent the procedure were thought to be vain, extravagant, or gay. These stereotypes were broken when more and more information about cosmetic surgery changed the public perception. The procedures were also made more affordable by innovations in medicine and increase in personal incomes. In addition to this, later generations such as the baby boomers broke a lot of cultural taboos regarding men's appearance. The term "metrosexual" is an example of this. A growing number of men now know how to look well by taking care of themselves. Men are also more likely to talk about their surgical improvements, in contrast with the past where the topic is a cause of embarrassment.
Some men undergo cosmetic surgery to compete better in their careers. In a lot of industries, looking good has a long-term effect on a person's career. When a man feels better about himself, he exudes more confidence and this eventually improves his personal and business relationships. Men also want to maintain a youthful image especially in industries where they have to compete with younger people. There is the growing impression that HR staff now look closer at wrinkles and gray hair, rather than wisdom and experience. An older person now seems slower and less efficient. A number of men, on the other hand, simply want to look good. The medical advancements and increased interest in overall health of this generation also allowed people to live longer and hold their careers longer than in previous generations....
Thus, it became important to take care of one's health and appearance even as one gets older.
III. Conclusion
The increase in male cosmetic surgery during the past years was made possible by cultural changes, medical advancements, and better access to information. Men now are less likely to suffer stigmas associated in the past with cosmetic procedures. They can study the treatments beforehand and choose the procedures they are comfortable with. Less invasive procedures also reduced the risks and the time needed to perform the various operations.
Although cosmetic surgery is not a critical life-saving procedure or a treatment of any particular disease, it is still important in maintaining a person's overall health. A person who feels good about his appearance and makes an effort to improve it also improves his mental well-being. Mental health ultimately has a long-term effect on physical health. The increase in the number of men who undergo cosmetic surgery reflects an increase in our society's overall concern for health, and this would lead to a society of more confident and healthier individuals.
Bibliography
Andruss, P. (2002). "Looking Good." Cincinnati, 35(6), pp. 202. Retrieved March 9, 2008, from MasterFILE Premier database.
Donato, V. (2003). "Aging male boomers break cosmetic surgery taboo." Westchester County Business Journal, 42(52), pp. 2-9. Retrieved March 9, 2008, from MasterFILE Premier database.
Pruitt, E. (2005). " the Growing Trend of Men and Cosmetic Surgery." PlasticSurgery.com. Retrieved March 11, 2008 at http://www.plasticsurgery.com/The_Growing_Trend_of_Men_and_Cosmetic_Surgery/article-154/article/NewsArticle.html
Troy, B. (2004). "Numbers soar for male surgery patients; they're willing to talk about it, too."…
