COSMETIC SURGERY
Perhaps the highest hurdle we must clear when it comes to discussing cosmetic surgery is its perception. A great part of the problem lies with both the doctors who practice it and the media. Both have, perhaps inadvertently, propagated the idea that cosmetic surgery is for women. Both normally use feminine pronouns or mention women when discussing potential patients and, when describing procedures, inevitably stress the benefits of most interest to them. If an individual is preparing for a tonsillectomy or even brain surgery, it doesn't matter how the process is explained as long as the information is accurate. When it comes to cosmetic surgery, however, there's a big difference between what what women expect and what men want and ultimately hope to accomplish.
As politically correct as it may be, we've concluded that, for women, cosmetic surgery is usually a more comprehensive, dramatic and expectant procedure than it is for men. Women want to look beautiful, yet men don't necessarily need to be handsome. Women hope to turn back the clock, to look younger, while men are concerned with just looking good at whatever age they happen to be.
Men are not concerned with wrinkles. In fact, lines can make the face stronger and more masculine. But looking perpetually tired is unacceptable. Men start considering cosmetic surgery if the skin above their eyes is drooping, there are bags under the eyes, or their jowls and neck are starting to sag.
Since procedures change constantly and individual doctors often have their own methods, it's almost impossible to describe the definitive means by which any operation might be done. We will, however, give you an outline of each procedure in its simplest form.
Upper eyelid surgery is a popular option. The fold of skin that hangs over and hides the upper lid can be removed with an incision that falls in the depth of the upper eyelid crease, leaving the eyelid more visible. If the upper eyelid is sagging due to heaviness of the brow area, it can be elevated. The newest procedure for brow elevation is called an endoscopic brow lift. In this operation a few small incisions are made above the hairline and, operating through a thin tube, the surgeon elevates the eyebrow. Obviously, a totally bald man is not a good candidate for this procedure unless he's willing to accept a scar on his mid-forehead.
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Aesthetics and Aging A New Paradigm
