By Gunnar Bergqvist, MD
Plastic surgery was done nearly 4,000 yrs ago for injuries sustained from war or crime punishments. Plastic surgery comes from the Greek word “plastikos” i.e. Mold or give form. Modern plastic surgery was developed during the first and second world wars a tremendous number of horrific injuries were sustained and forced the new development of plastic and reconstructive procedures to help all these victims. This later led to the development of cosmetic surgery. The first transplant surgery (of a kidney) was done by a plastic surgeon, Joseph Murray MD. An advancement that he later got the Nobel Prize for. He proved that a “match was available between twin brothers by first doing a skin graft from one to the other. Plastic surgeons now perform Face and hand transplants.
I have seen a steady increase of male patients seeking cosmetic procedures in my practice, and more so an increased openness and public approval. In 2021 cosmetic surgery had a higher approval rating among men at 57% , higher than any political party.
In the US 80% of all cosmetic procedures are non-surgical. The most common cosmetic male surgical procedures in 2021 were liposuction, eyelids, nose, and breast surgery. Most all can be done in Dr. Bergqvis’t, private office.
However, also on the rise as poorly trained or no trained providers emerge in the cosmetic surgery field. Non surgical procedures are still often invasive and can have severe complications. As the popularity of cosmetic surgery has increased, so has confusion related to what is cosmetic surgery and who can do it? Does a spa with or without medical expertise have it? Does board certification in family medicine, anesthesia, gynecology or dentistry implicate expertise? There are a plethera of unrecognized “Boards” related to cosmetic and plastic surgery. The American Board of Medical Specialist ABMS only recognizes the Board of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery as such. Membership in ASPS American Society of Plastic Surgeons implies not only board certification in plastic surgery, but also experience in the field and that your provider is held to a higher standard. Be careful and informed about unrecognized experience. There is nothing “weekend” about real plastic surgeons trained her in the US. ASPS Plastic surgeons in general have at least seven years of surgical training after medical school, and have been in practice for several years.
Non surgical Cosmetic procedures
Botox is most commonly used between the eyebrows and around the eyes, and forehead.
Injectables are used to fill deeper lines and defects. All have their pros and cons and last 3 -12 mos. The indication is when you have lost or lack fullness in your face and can sometimes be used instead of a face lift.
Laser stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission Radiation. There are many types. A specific wave length of light is used to target energy at a specific source. Uses range from skin tightening to reduction of hair, removal of age spots, red spots and vessels. Keep in mind that an “IPL” is intense pulsed light it is NOT specific and is not a laser. Tattoo removal has drastically changed in the last several years. The right Laser technology, once again not IPL, can now reduce and remove tattoos in ways never done before. There are other modalities that tighten skin with no cutting such as my Ultherapy system.
Surgeries common among males
Liposuction – A procedure to reduce fat deposits. This is a contouring procedure not a weight loss procedure, skin is not removed if skin need to be removed it’s a tummy tuck. You will need to wear a special garment for some time. Results will take about a month to finalize. Added with the new technology of J-Plasma, skin may also be tightened in the area at the same time.
Eye lids surgery to reduce the bagginess and excess skin around your eyes. One week of significant bruising. A brow lift may be done at the same time.
Face lift (Rhatidectomy) – This procedure helps redefine the neck and downward drifting of the face.The scars need to be placed differently in men than women due to beard growth. After surgery you are socially unacceptable for at least one week bruising and swelling for several weeks. Mini lifts are not that mini. Thread lift often brake and recovery is not “mini.”
Face lift procedures now also include noninvasive and minimally invasive procedures, where we now can tighten skin thru very small incisions. One example is (Jplasma) Renuvion. This can be done in an office setting or operating room.
Breast reduction in males – Correction of gynecomastia is very common; most men have the condition at some point. Causes range from normal temporary growth, side effect to medication, use of steroids and marijuana. If the condition last for more than a year is most likely not going to go away by itself. This type of surgery has increased by 182 % in the last 20 years.
Rhinoplasty (Nose surgery), is a reshaping of the nose and also reconstructive to help breathing.
The Plastic Surgery Center of Naples
860 111th Ave., N., Suite #6, Naples Florida, 34108
239.431.7967 | www.SwedishDr.com