| Cosmetic
surgery has become much more accepted over the last ten years and like
the skin, hair and beauty industry it has also become increasingly popular
with men.
Gone are the days when cosmetic surgery was seen as purely
a woman’s domain. Men are increasingly wanting to appear younger
and more on top of things. Men may dislike their nose, chin and cheeks
as much as a woman. And they are getting the same sun and environmental
damage causing wrinkles and sagginess that women get.
However, the desires of men differ greatly from women
and while the same surgical techniques can be used, a different approach
is often necessary.
Sydney plastic surgeon Dr Darryl Hodgkinson has found
an increasing number of men are desiring facial procedures. Usually,
he says, they want a rejuvenation rather than glamorisation. “The
desires of my male patients are completely different. They’re
not asking for glamorisation so it is in some ways easier to communicate,”
said Dr Hodgkinson. “They are very pragmatic and don’t have
any hidden agendas and it’s quite easy to find out their expectations.”
This takes communication skills on the surgeon’s
behalf. Spending time in a consultation discussing likes and dislikes
gives the surgeon the necessary information to produce the desired result.
“What they don’t like, what they think I can do for them
and what they are trying to achieve. It’s important to find out
their motivation. Is it related to their job? Is it to feel more comfortable
with a younger partner or seeking out another partner? Finding out their
motivation gives me the information I need to optimise the results”
explained Dr Hodgkinson.
No-one should be embarrassed about seeking out cosmetic
surgery, however Dr Hodgkinson says men tend to trivialise their desires.
But more importantly they also sometimes trivialise their medical history
and this can be serious. “I find men have a very clear idea of
what they want but it takes more time finding out their medical history,”
explained Dr Hodgkinson. “Men tend to trivialise their concerns
about everything. A man will tell you there’s nothing wrong and
they won’t tell you their medications or the fact they get chest
pains and that sort of thing.” To combat this, Dr Hodgkinson is
particularly thorough with his medical history and physical examination.
continued column 2>> |
However, according to Dr Hodgkinson, due to a lingering
embarrassment for seeking cosmetic surgery men also tend to be very
well informed. With the many sources of accessible information on cosmetic
surgery finding out about procedures can be done in complete privacy.
“There are magazines devoted to men’s health and men are
also using the internet as a valuable research tool.,” said Dr
Hodgkinson. “I find they already know a lot before they even come
to the first consultation.”
“Men will often want to appear younger, with more
definition of the jaw, or more handsome and masculine perhaps with cheek
and chin implants,” explained Dr Hodgkinson.
Changing or rejuvenating the face is definitely an option
with cosmetic surgery; something men are rapidly taking advantage of
in increasing numbers. |
