Think women are the only ones obsessed with preserving their youthful looks? Think again. These days, men are just as likely as women to opt for a cosmetic surgery procedure. With people living longer, healthier lives, it’s no surprise that both genders want to look as young as they feel.

Cosmetic surgeons say that men go under the knife for two main reasons: to look younger for a competitive edge in the workplace and, if divorced or single, to project an image of vigor and attractiveness.

The five most common cosmetic surgery procedures for men are rhinoplasty, hair transplantation, blepharoplasty, gynecomastia, liposuction and Botox. Always consult a board-certified plastic surgeon to answer specific questions about cosmetic surgery.

Rhinoplasty

Commonly known as a "nose job," rhinoplasty involves the reshaping or resizing of the nasal cartilage. Like women, men who elect to have this type of surgery often simply want a straighter nasal bridge or a more refined tip.

How it works:

Depending of the level of reshaping involved, rhinoplasty can either be an "open" or "closed" procedure. The open technique makes it easier to work on the nasal interior via an incision between he nostrils. However, it`s a more invasive procedure and results in considerable post-surgery swelling. With the closed technique, no incisions are made to the nose`s outer tissue. Many surgeons prefer the closed procedure because it takes less time to heal and reduces the risk of scarring.

Rhinoplasty can be conducted under general or local anesthetic. The procedure itself takes one to five hours. Post-surgery swelling and bruising can last for several weeks. It may take up to six months before your new nose "settles" permanently into its new look.

Hair Transplantation

This relatively recent procedures involves surgically removing hair follicles areas with hair and implanting them into the bald parts of the scalp. Hair transplants are options for male pattern baldness and also for hair loss from surgery, burns or medication.

How it works:

During procedure, the plastic surgeon the surgeon transplants various follicle groupings of hair to simulate a natural hair pattern from the scalp. Hairs are "planted" into the scalp using bore needles and blades— it usually takes several sessions to complete a transplant.

It`s crucial to find an experienced surgeon for this procedure. In unskilled hands, a hair transplant can look unnatural and wig-like. Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is a more expensive technique that removes and plants hair in a "cookie-cutter" manner. While FUE reduces the risk of scarring, the punching mechanism can damage hair follicles during transplantation.

Hair transplants are usually carried out under local anesthetic. After surgery you may experience facial bruising and discomfort. Your transplanted hair will fall out after about three weeks and then regrow in the next 60 to 90 days.

Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, tightens the loose, droopy skin on and around the eyelids, giving the eyes a more rested and alert look. A successful eyelid lift shouldn`t be obvious— the goal is to look like a more refreshed version of you.

How it works:

This popular procedure removes excess skin from the upper eyelids. During this procedure the fat pads under the surface of the upper and lower eyelids may also be removed. Incisions are placed in the natural crease lines of the upper and lower eyelids.

Blepharoplasty can be conducted under general or local anesthetic. It takes between two and three weeks for the swelling and bruising to subside.

Liposuction

Liposuction or "fat suctioning" is popular with men because it can help dramatically sculpt the body, diminish jowls and erase a double chin. The three most popular areas for men are the neck, abdomen and "love handles."

How it works:

Traditional liposuction involves sucking fat cells and fluid through a vacuum-like suction tube via small incisions. After surgery, you must wear a constrictive garment around the affected areas. For your safety, it`s important to follow your surgeon’s post-procedure instructions. Most liposuction procedures are performed under local anesthetic.

Ultrasonic-assisted lipoplasty (UAL) is a newer procedure that can be used on more fibrous pockets of fat, such as those on the back and chest. UAL utilizes high-frequency waves from ultrasound to eradicate and dislodge fat cells before suctioning.

Liposuction makes sense if you have stubborn, unresponsive areas of body fat— it`s not a substitute for proper diet and exercise. You should be within 30 percent of your ideal body weight before considering liposuction.

Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia comes from a Greek word that means "woman-like breasts". Though not commonly discussed, many men suffer from overdeveloped breast tissue. Gynecomastia helps create a more masculine chest.

How it works:

With Gynecomastia, excessive fat, glandular tissue, or skin is removed from the breasts. The result is a flatter and firmer chest. Because this procedure is quite invasive, it is generally performed under general anesthetic.

After surgery, swelling and bruising will last two to three weeks. It may take up to three or more months before you see the final results of your procedure.

Botox

Many consider Botox an "injectible face lift". Botox injections temporarily smooth the lines between your brows with no surgery or recovery time. Botox can also be used to treat crow`s feet, neck lines and even excessive hand and underarm perspiration.

How it works:

Botox (Botulism toxin) temporarily paralyzes the muscle at the injection site, causing wrinkles and furrows to relax for a smoother look. Depending on the areas treated, the procedure takes about 10 or 15 minutes. Botox injections are performed in your doctors office and don`t require anesthesia. It takes a few days for Botox to take full effects - results last between three to six months.

What to do Before Plastic Surgery

·           Understand the risks involved and be realistic about your expectations.

·           If you smoke or drink alcohol, stop prior to surgery.

·           Try to eat healthfully and stay in good physical shape

·           If you take medication, are overweight, or have a chronic health condition, seek out expert advice. You need to have a medical doctor assess your risk level before you can have elective surgery.

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