What To Know About Plastic Surgery for Men

shirtless male looking on the side

Once primarily a woman’s domain, more and more men are now considering plastic surgery to enhance their appearance and boost their confidence. The benefits of plastic surgery, tailored to men’s aesthetic goals, include looking younger, a more toned physique, correcting gynecomastia, and more. This blog provides an overview of popular procedures for men, such as facial rejuvenation options and body contouring procedures.

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Rhinoplasty for Men

One of the most common procedures among men is rhinoplasty, or a nose job. Unlike women’s rhinoplasty, in which a more refined or delicate look is desired, men’s rhinoplasty is about maintaining a strong masculine look. Men typically get rhinoplasty to correct a bump on the bridge, reduce the size of a nose that’s too big, or straighten a crooked nose. In some cases, rhinoplasty is performed to fix breathing issues caused by an obstructed airway.

Factors to Consider 

  • Desired Results: Some men want a subtle change that enhances their natural features, while others want a more dramatic change. Explain your cosmetic concerns and desired outcomes to your surgeon. 
  • Facial Harmony: Rhinoplasty results should be balanced with other facial features. If desired, other cosmetic facial surgeries can be combined with rhinoplasty to achieve this goal.
  • Recovery: Rhinoplasty recovery involves some swelling and bruising around the eyes. Most patients can resume their normal activities in a week or two.

Facelift for Men

For men who want to combat signs of aging, facelift surgery, or rhytidectomy, is another popular procedure. This procedure smooths deep wrinkles and tightens loose skin on the face or neck. Facelifts for men require special techniques to ensure the results maintain masculine facial features.

Factors to Consider

  • Achieving Natural Results: Thanks to advancements in facelift techniques, men don’t have to worry about over-tight, pulled, or windswept results. Choose a board-certified plastic surgeon experienced in male plastic surgery for facial rejuvenation while maintaining a natural, masculine appearance.
  • Scarring: Surgery inevitably involves scars. However, facelift incisions are made in inconspicuous areas, such as within the hairline or around the ears, to minimize the appearance of scarring.
  • Getting Comprehensive Results: A facelift can be combined with other cosmetic facial surgeries, such as eyelid surgery or chin augmentation, to achieve a more comprehensive rejuvenation.
  • After Surgery: Recovery after a facelift can last up to several weeks or less if only modest enhancement is desired.

Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia Surgery)

The enlargement of breast tissue in men, or gynecomastia, is a common condition that can leave adolescent boys and men uncomfortable and self-conscious about their bodies. Gynecomastia surgery is designed to remove excess glandular tissue fat to make the chest look more masculine. This procedure can be life-changing for men who lack confidence about their appearance.

Factors to Consider

  • Surgical Techniques: Depending on the extent of breast tissue, the surgery may involve liposuction, excision of glandular tissue, or a combination of both.
  • Scarring: Gynecomastia surgery scars are strategically placed to be as discreet as possible and tend to fade over time.
  • Post-Surgery: After surgery, you will have to wear compression garments to help the skin retract and minimize swelling.

Liposuction for Men

Men who want to look more fit and toned can choose liposuction to help them achieve these goals. Liposuction is one of the most effective ways for men to remove stubborn fat that hasn’t responded to diet and exercise. Areas commonly treated include the abdomen, flanks (love handles), chest, and back. 

Factors to Consider

  • Areas of Concern: Men’s problem areas differ from women’s, and a skilled surgeon will know how to target those areas for the best results.
  • Techniques: Advanced techniques like laser liposuction (Smartlipo®), ultrasonic-assisted liposuction (UAL), and power-assisted liposuction (PAL) can shorten procedure time and enhance results by tightening the skin and providing more precise fat removal.
  • Combining With Other Procedures: Liposuction can be combined with other procedures like gynecomastia surgery or tummy tuck to enhance body contours further.

Daddy Makeovers

As more men want to address the effects of aging on the body, “Daddy Makeovers,” also called “Daddy Do-Overs,” are gaining popularity. This set of procedures can address “dad-bod,” correct gynecomastia, and improve contours after significant weight loss. Like a Mommy Makeover, the Daddy Makeover combines procedures such as liposuction, tummy tuck, and gynecomastia surgery.

Factors to Consider

  • Customization: Every Daddy Makeover is customized to meet the patient’s unique needs. Whether targeting stubborn fat, tightening loose skin, or enhancing muscle definition, procedures are chosen based on individual goals.
  • Recovery Time: Since multiple procedures are performed simultaneously, recovery can be longer than after a single surgery. 

What Should Men Know About Plastic Surgery?

Men seeking plastic surgery should choose a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience performing male cosmetic surgeries. Men and women have different anatomical features that require different techniques to achieve patients’ aesthetic goals. For example, men have thicker skin and stronger facial muscles, which can affect how procedures like a facelift or rhinoplasty are approached.

  • During the consultation, men should be open about their goals and expectations. A skilled surgeon will recommend the procedures that will work best and explain the recovery process.
  • Recovery times will vary depending on the techniques used and individual healing capabilities. Following all post-operative instructions and attending follow-up appointments will help patients get the best results.
  • Maintaining plastic surgery results often requires a commitment to a healthy lifestyle. A balanced, nutritious diet, regular exercise, and proper skin care will help prolong the benefits of cosmetic procedures.

By working with an experienced plastic surgeon, men can ensure that their cosmetic procedures are customized to meet their needs and get the masculine, natural-looking results they desire.

Interested in Marin county Plastic Surgery for Men?

Dr. Miguel A. Delgado provides cosmetic surgery for men in San Francisco and Novato, CA. Call 415-898-4161 today to schedule a complimentary in-person or virtual consultation.


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Dr. Miguel Delgado

MIGUEL DELGADO, M.D.

Dr. Delgado, MD is a world-recognized plastic surgeon and specialist in the treatment of male breast enlargement, also called gynecomastia. He has developed new techniques and owns and operates gynecomastia.org, which has become the largest gynecomastia forum in the world. Dr. Delgado holds the two most coveted credentials; the certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and membership in the American Society of Plastic Surgery.

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