Women have long been the targeted audience for facelift surgeries. That has been changing in recent years, though. Attitudes are evolving and more middle-aged men are seeking facelift surgery to achieve a more youthful appearance. The decision to have a facelift performed may involve different things for prospective male patients than females, including psychological, physical, and sometimes professional factors. If you have been considering a male facelift procedure, some of these issues might already sound familiar to you.
Reasons for Middle-Aged Male Facelifts
The recent increase in facelift requests from middle-aged male patients has become noticeable among facial plastic surgeons across the country. There are many factors that could be responsible for this change in attitude among prospective male patients. Today’s world is full of social media, video conferencing, profile pictures, selfies, and many other ways to stay visually connected. As men (and women) age, it’s hard not to notice with the constant exposure. Just as many men as women are unhappy with the way age has begun to change them and now they are doing something about it.
From a professional standpoint, how a man looks could factor into his very job security. The economy is very competitive, with younger workers graduating college and working their way into the corporate ranks alongside veterans. Middle-aged men might choose a facelift to stay competitive and continue to be perceived as more youthful. A younger appearance can also have an impact on a man’s social life and his self-esteem. Whatever your motivation for seeking male facelift surgery, a facial plastic surgeon can help guide you along the way.
The Physical Considerations of Male Facelift Surgery
The way your facial plastic surgeon will approach your facelift surgery may be affected by whether you are male or female, but only from a physical standpoint. During your facelift consultation, your facial plastic surgeon will discuss his or her approach with you and how your own facial characteristics will influence his or her choices. Typically, male patients are slightly different from females in the following ways:
- Their faces have stronger ligaments and supports.
- The male face has a larger surface area.
- More vascular skin is contained in a man’s face.
- Male patients tend to have heavier necks.
- Their skin tends to be thicker.
- Male faces have a much greater amount of facial hair and hair follicles, placed in distinct patterns that could be affected by pulling or shifting the skin and tissue.
None of these facial characteristics will impede your eligibility for facelift surgery, but it could alter your experience slightly. Choose a facial plastic surgeon who has experience performing facelift surgery on men and can implement customized strategies to help you achieve your desired results.
Placing Incisions for a Male Facelift
The differences in the male facial characteristics can sometimes make the placement of incisions a little more difficult. Your facial plastic surgeon will make adjustments based on hair-bearing skin in order to preserve the natural pattern as much as possible while still achieving results. The skin must be tightened and lifted in just the right amount, which makes an experienced facial plastic surgeon absolutely essential to your facelift’s success. During your consultation, your surgeon will explain in detail his or her planned incision placement so you’ll know just what to expect.
The Psychological Impact of Male Facelifts
There still remains a stigma against facial plastic surgery patients in the court of public opinion. Male patients might feel this social pressure even more. Cosmetic surgery offers many benefits to the right patients, especially facelift surgery, which can erase up to 10 years from your appearance.
Before your facelift surgery, it’s important to consider your own personal motivations for surgery and how realistic your expectations are. Facelift surgery should never be something that any patient is ashamed to have performed or talk about with their loved ones. Unfortunately, other people’s opinions can be unnecessary hurdles for some male patients, so you should consider how well you are prepared for any psychological side effects. Talk to your plastic surgeon about your motivations, your procedure, and what results to expect from your facelift.
Consult With a Plastic Surgeon About Your Male Facelift
Begin your planning process for a smooth and successful facelift surgery with an experienced board certified facial plastic surgeon. Visit Renu by Dr. Philip Schoenfeld to speak with founder and Medical Director Dr. Philip Schoenfeld, a board certified facial plastic surgeon with experience in anti-aging treatments and other surgical procedures. He has practiced in Washington, D.C. since 1994 and specializes in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. A proven track record for excellence and aesthetics has earned him a significant reputation among his peers. He was voted one of America’s Top Doctors in 2013 by Castle Connolly. Contact the Renu by Dr. Philip Schoenfeld, located at 5454 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 1625 in Chevy Chase, Maryland, by calling (301) 652-RENU (7368). Book your appointment with Dr. Schoenfeld today to discuss your personal options for surgery and treatment.