Cosmetic Surgery for Australian Men

• 4 September 2024
• Dr Alex Kubitskiy

Last updated on September 5, 2024

Across the world, more and more men are turning to cosmetic surgery to look and feel younger. In fact, according to the recent statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, men accounted for about 13 percent of surgical procedures performed in 2015 in the U.S., and about 8 percent of cosmetic procedures like anti-wrinkle injections.

This trend isn’t limited to the United States. Although up-to-date plastic surgery statistics aren’t kept here in Australia, according to Dr Joseph Rizk, Australian Plastic Surgeon –  Australian men are also embracing cosmetic surgery and non-surgical alternatives. In particular, the trend of male plastic surgery is being driven by two factors. First, it’s becoming more socially acceptable for men to undergo these procedures. Male Australian celebrities now openly talk about their experiences with plastic surgery, and societally, men are now expected to maintain a younger complexion later in life.

Plus, baby boomers – who make up the largest percentage of cosmetic surgery patients – have embraced plastic surgery. Many Australian adults in their 50s and 60s are seeking to defy the aging process and achieve a more youthful experience with plastic surgery, and this generation will likely continue to drive the trend.

The Types of Men Who Seek Plastic Surgery

Men of all ages are undergoing plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures, but for the most part, there are three demographic groups that are most likely to undergo surgery. They include:

• Older Professionals: In the workplace, there’s a growing societal pressure to look younger and stay fitter. And for many high-ranking professionals who have advanced in their careers, cosmetic surgery offers a solution for maintaining a more youthful appearance. This trend is particularly noticeable among baby boomers who are nearing retirement age, as well as men in the 40s and 50s.
• Youthful Dads: You’ve heard of the mummy makeover, but a similar trend is occurring among dads. It’s been dubbed the “daddy do-over.” The stress causes some new dads to develop wrinkles and a spare tire around their midsection. Procedures like liposuction, neck lift and eyelid surgery are common solutions.
• Fitness Enthusiasts: Many younger males are also seeking out plastic surgery, and often, the motivation is a more chiselled, athletic look. For example, some choose to enhance their physiques for that ripped, body-builder profile. This is why procedures like buttocks, pectoral and calf implants are among the fastest growing cosmetic procedures.

Most Common Types of Plastic Surgery for Men

The Top 5 procedures that men undergo are similar to those that women seek out. In fact, liposuction, nose reshaping and eyelid surgery are among the Top 5 for both women and men. The most common types of plastic surgery include:

• Liposuction
• Rhinoplasty (Nose reshaping)
• Eyelid surgery
• Facelift
• Pectoral reduction (man boob surgery)

The pectoral reduction is one procedure specific to men that has gained in popularity over the last five years. In the U.S., 27,000 male breast reductions were performed last year, up 5 per cent from 2014, and according to Dr Joseph Rizk, that trend is similar here in Australia.

Additionally, men are also undergoing non-surgical procedures – like anti-wrinkle injections – as well as skin resurfacing treatments in greater numbers. In 2015, the Top 5 non-surgical procedures men underwent were anti-wrinkle injections, laser hair removal, microdermabrasion, chemical peel and soft tissue fillers. This type of cosmetic work far outpaced surgical options, with numbers averaging between 100,000 to 200,000 of each procedure performed in 2015.

Cosmetic surgery is gaining popularity among men – especially as they face societal pressure to maintain youthful, fitter appearances and feel more open to these options. In particular, men in their 40s and 50s are leading the charge, and they’re seeking out traditional plastic procedures like rhinoplasty, liposuction and facelift, as well as non-surgical alternatives.

About The Author

Dr Alex Kubitskiy

Dr. Alex Kubitskiy is a renowned microsurgeon based in Sydney, celebrated for his expertise in hand microsurgery. With a career defined by precision and meticulous attention to detail, Dr. Kubitskiy has earned a stellar reputation for his skillful handling of delicate surgical procedures. His transition into hair transplantation has leveraged his extensive background in microsurgery, allowing him to offer unparalleled results in hair restoration.