MANCHESTER, ENGLAND, August 02, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Cosmetic Surgery Guru reveals that men around the world are turning to cosmetic surgery in increasing numbers, driven by the recent economic downturn and a growing concern over "moobs" ("man boobs").
Male cosmetic surgery rates are not only growing in America, the UK and other countries where the stigma attached to male cosmetic surgery has all but disappeared, but in the Middle East too. According to the Dubai Congress on Anti-Aging and Aesthetic Medicine (DCAAAM), men now account for one in every five of Dubai's cosmetic surgery patients.
Although non-invasive treatments like Botox and laser hair removal for the back are the most common amongst men, surgical procedures, particularly male breast reduction, are becoming increasingly popular.
Credit Crunch
Public interest in cosmetic surgery has remained strong, despite the credit crunch. Men worldwide are looking to cosmetic surgery to boost their performance in an increasingly competitive job market. Some men who have been made redundant are using cosmetic surgery for therapeutic reasons: to improve self-esteem.
In Dubai, low oil prices and other negative economic factors have caused many people financial problems. Such problems have inspired men to invest in hair and beauty treatments as well as surgery, to boost their employment status as well as their confidence. The DCAAM predict that by 2013, men in Dubai will be spending $100 billion on cosmetic surgery each year.
"Moobs"
Gynaecomastia, enlargement of the male breast tissue, is becoming a serious concern to a growing number of men worldwide. Bryan Mayou of London's Cadogan Clinic sees "an increasing number of men coming into (his) clinic with body-image problems and low self-esteem because of this particular condition."
Gynaecomastia currently affects 40-60% of men to varying degrees, although this figure is set to rise in line with obesity rates. Some scientists blame high levels of the female hormone oestrogen in food and drink for accentuating the problem. Men feel most inhibited by the condition in summer months, when they would normally remove clothing in hot weather or when swimming.
According to the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), 44% more male breast reduction surgeries have taken place this year compared with last. In Scotland, this figure is closer to 80%. The male breast reduction process, which takes place under general anaesthetic, involves making small incisions under the armpits of the patient so that liposuction can be used to remove excess fat from the breast area.
In the UK, where men account for 10% of all cosmetic surgery patients, breast reduction has replaced the facelift as the fifth most popular male cosmetic surgery procedure. 323 male breast reduction procedures were carried out last year, compared with just 22 five years ago.
Notes to the editor:
Cosmetic Surgery Guru is a free and accessible website dedicated to informing the public of new and exciting developments in cosmetic surgery.
http://www.cosmeticsurgeryguru.com
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