In an intriguing shift within the cosmetic surgery landscape, Dr. Mark Epstein, a prominent plastic surgeon based in New York, has reported a significant increase in male clientele over the past decade. Dr. Epstein, who is dual-board-certified, reveals that men now comprise approximately 10% of his clients, a notable rise from just about 2% a decade ago.

This rising interest among men in cosmetic procedures reflects a broader cultural shift where self-care and aesthetics are no longer perceived as exclusively feminine pursuits. Dr. Epstein emphasized that more men are becoming conscious of their appearance, stating, "Men are definitely getting more and more interested in taking care of themselves and looking good it's not just for women anymore." This change spans various age groups, with male clients ranging from 18 to 80 years old, all seeking a variety of treatments aimed at anti-aging, weight loss, and skin rejuvenation.

Among the treatments gaining popularity are facials and skin-tightening procedures that were traditionally reserved for women, indicating a growing acceptance of these services among men. Dr. Epstein elaborated on the most sought-after procedures among his male clients, which include facial fillers, breast reduction, and various hair restoration options.

One of the standout concerns for many men is hair loss, with male pattern baldness impacting approximately 50 million men in the United States. While traditional hair transplants can be quite costly, ranging from $10,000 to $20,000, Dr. Epstein offers a less invasive and more affordable alternative: platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. This method involves injecting the clients own platelet-rich plasma into the scalp to stimulate hair growth, a procedure that many prefer due to its non-surgical nature and lack of associated scarring. "A lot of patients don't want to undergo a surgical procedure; they want to take advantage of PRP and all the other male hair restoration technology that is now available," he noted.

In addition to hair restoration, Dr. Epstein has observed a surge in interest in dermal fillers and injectables among men, particularly for facial rejuvenation. Procedures such as Botox are now commonly utilized to smooth wrinkles, while fillers help restore volume lost due to aging. This approach, often referred to as a filler facelift, is not only less invasive but also significantly more cost-effective compared to traditional surgical facelifts, which can average around $12,000.

Another notable procedure gaining traction is breast reduction surgery, particularly for men dealing with gynecomastia, a condition that results in enlarged male breasts. Dr. Epstein sees patients across a wide age range, from teenagers to seniors, as this condition can stem from various factors, including hormonal changes and steroid use. He assures that this minimally invasive procedure typically requires only a few weeks of recovery, making it appealing for those eager to return to their fitness regimes promptly.

For older male clients, particularly those in the 40 to 60 age bracket, eyelid lifts, or blepharoplasty, have become increasingly popular. This surgery effectively removes excess skin and fat around the eyes, alleviating signs of aging and fatigue. With over three decades of experience, Dr. Epstein has noted significant advancements in this procedure, allowing for improved techniques that minimize visible scarring while maintaining the natural shape of the eyes. The average cost for an eyelid lift ranges from $3,300 to $3,800, which is relatively affordable compared to other surgical options.

Despite the emergence of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro, which have gained popularity in recent years, Dr. Epstein reports a continuous rise in liposuction requests among men. He describes liposuction as a form of "lipo-sculpture," which focuses not just on weight loss but on the sculpting of the body to highlight muscle definition. Many of his clients are already fit or have recently lost weight and are seeking to refine their physique by removing stubborn fat deposits.

Lastly, treatments aimed at enhancing muscle definition, such as CoolSculpting and CoolTone, are increasingly favored by men looking to achieve a more toned appearance. "You really feel it's like doing 10,000 sit-ups," Epstein remarked, indicating the effectiveness of these non-invasive procedures in helping men achieve their desired body shape.

As the cosmetic surgery industry continues to evolve, it is clear that men are becoming a significant presence in this space, reshaping the narrative around beauty and self-care.