Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery Blog – Harley Medical Group

Increasing numbers of men living in the United Arab Emirates are choosing to spend their money on cosmetic surgery procedures, according to recent figures.

The Emirates Medical Association has reported that of the people who had cosmetic surgery in the UAE last year, 47 per cent were men. This was a seven per cent rise on the corresponding figures for 2009.

These figures equated to approximately DH300 million being spent on various surgical procedures, including liposuction, rhinoplasty (nose job), face lifts and otoplasty (ear reshaping).

However, the overall number of people going under the knife has reportedly dropped by 40 per cent, when compared to statistics from 2008.

The figures were revealed by Dr Ali Numeiri, an official in the plastic surgery division of the Emirates Medical Association. Dr Numeiri was speaking at a conference in Dubai on breast surgery, which was attended by plastic surgeons and organisations from all over the world.

The number of men opting for male chest reduction surgery rose sharply during January, according to experts.

A report published by the Echo newspaper today suggests that more men than ever are enquiring about cosmetic surgery procedures to change the way they look and increase self-confidence. Treatments for gynaecomastia or ‘man boobs’ are said to be topping the list.

When interviewed, consultant plastic surgeon Dr Venkat Ramakrishnan said: “We feel it is important to remind people that having cosmetic surgery is a very serious, life-changing decision and one which should not be rushed or taken lightly.

“Women and men should not let their eagerness for change overpower their ability to make a responsible choice about their surgeon and hospital.”

A spokesperson for NHS South East Essex echoed Dr Ramakrishnan’s concerns, pointing out that gynaecomastia can be caused by liver abnormality, or breast or testicular cancer, and that these conditions should always be ruled out by a GP before cosmetic surgery is performed.

Research carried out in Finland has found that many people who have undergone cosmetic surgery procedures at clinics in the country are unhappy with the outcome.

According to results of a study published yesterday by the Väli-Suomi newspaper group, one third of cosmetic surgery operations carried out in Finland are done in order to fix errors made during previous operations. The most popular procedures include liposuction, face lift operations and breast surgery.

The Finnish Patient Insurance Centre, which deals with claims from patients who have suffered injuries, said it receives about 200 complaints every year which relate to errors made during cosmetic surgery procedures.

The findings stand as a reminder to anyone thinking of undergoing cosmetic surgery procedures or non-surgical solutions, how important it is to find a clinic that adheres to rigorous standards of care and is fully registered with the appropriate bodies.

The demand for male chest reduction surgery rose by 28 per cent in the last year, according to the latest figures released by the British Association for Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS).

BAAPS, which represents approximately 40 per cent of the British cosmetic surgery industry, revealed that the number of surgical procedures to reduce the appearance of ‘man boobs’ totalled 741 in 2010, up from 581 in 2009.

Figures also suggest that the number of overall procedures went up by five per cent last year, when compared with figures from the previous year.

In an interview with BBC News, BAAPS-registered consultant plastic surgeon Rajiv Grover, said: “Images in the media – coverage of high profile men like Simon Cowell and Jack Nicholson – make men think about this more”.

Grover went on to say that approximately 30 per cent of men who enquired about the surgery were advised to change their diet and improve their exercise regime, but that the remaining 70 per cent had areas of fat that were “beyond exercise”.

Cosmetic surgery procedures for men are on the up, with non-surgical procedures such as Botox topping the list of popular treatments.

A report by the Daily Express online today highlighted figures released last year which showed that around 10 per cent of the 36,482 surgical procedures carried out in 2009 by members of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, were on men.

While the report also highlighted the fact that men are still less likely than women to go under the knife for cosmetic reasons, it did say that men are becoming more aware of the fact that they will be judged on their looks.

Dr Aamer Khan, cosmetic specialist at the Daily Express, said: “The economy, threats of redundancy and tough times have made it necessary for men to look more youthful.

“Men also realise that they are not stuck with things they dislike and can easily do something about them”.

Khan admits that surgery can take a few weeks to fully recover from, but also said: “For almost every surgical procedure there is a non-invasive option which means no downtime and minimal discomfort”.

Sally Taber, from the Independent Healthcare Advisory Services (IHAS), said: “The Botox boom highlights the crucial need to increase patient awareness of who is qualified to provide cosmetic injectable treatments”.

The IHAS has recently set up Treatments You Can Trust, a scheme to help consumers find reputable clinics.

An increasing number of American men have been found to be turning towards cosmetic surgery, and Colorado is leading the pack.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Colorado men are noted as having more plastic surgery than the rest of the country.

Speaking to News 9, Colorado-based surgeon Dr Steven Vath explained his belief that the changing attitude towards cosmetic surgery has encouraged more men to consider treatments. He said: “I think it’s becoming less taboo for men to consider the idea of their appearance, and improving their appearance.” (more…)

Various new sources are abuzz with speculation that movie star Tom Cruise may have turned to cosmetic surgery ahead of filming revealing scenes in the latest instalment of the Mission Impossible film franchise.

Noting that the actor’s bare chest was the subject of much scrutiny whilst the actor filmed forthcoming stunt-scenes, the Orange County Register claimed some sources believe Tom may have used liposuction in order to keep his torso free from middle-age spread. (more…)

STV Entertainment News has reported that Celebrity Big Brother winner, Alex Reid, is planning to turn to a non surgical solution after revealing that he would like to have a smoother torso.

Cage-fighter Alex is said to be keen to have laser hair removal on his chest, arms and legs, following a consultation at The Harley Medical Group’s Brighton Clinic.

(more…)

Matthew McConaughey has long been at the centre of rumours about his good looks and whether a little cosmetic surgery has helped him retain them, and the Hollywood star recently sparked new discussions due to reports that he’s been meeting surgeons to discuss options. (more…)

It has long been rumoured that X Factor judge Louis Walsh had cosmetic surgery to reduce the signs of ageing. The Irish music mogul has admitted that he had work done – though said his fellow judge Simon Cowell is not always so open. (more…)