Cosmetic Surgery

with Lawrence Sterkin, M.D., Plastic Surgeon, Columbia St. Mary’s

Posted: Sept. 1, 2004

With a nip here, and a tuck there, experts say more and more men are choosing to have plastic surgery, from liposuction to Botox. In fact, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) reports that last year the total number of cosmetic procedures increased by 28 % for men alone. That’s a lot of nose reshaping – 129,774 cases to be exact – the number one procedure for men last year.

“We’re seeing a general increase in interest,” explains Lawrence Sterkin, M.D., a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon with Columbia St. Mary’s. “As we get older, men are keeping up with trends, partly because of exposure to images on TV and in the media, but also because it’s part of an overall trend toward healthy living. When we look better we feel better.”

Lawrence Sterkin, M.D., Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Columbia St. Mary’s "We’re the only specialists that works from head to toe. Most techniques are very good these days. If a patient is properly educated about their options, they can make an informed decision about what is best for them."

He also says surgeries have improved and the results are better.

“They’re less invasive with less risk,” remarks Dr. Sterkin. “We’re very attuned to making sure patients are educated and aware of what they’re getting into and what they can expect.”

Top Procedures
One of the most common surgical procedures men request in Dr. Sterkin’s office is liposuction.

“Men have certain areas where fat tends to develop, mainly in the middle abdomen and in the love handles,” Dr. Sterkin explains.

New techniques allow for safer surgery with less bruising, he says. It’s done on an outpatient basis, many times with local anesthetic.

“We inject a numbing medicine which takes away the pain, and adrenalin which takes care of the bleeding,” expresses Dr. Sterkin. “Within an hour, you can go home. You’re back to work in a week or two.”

Liposuction, like most cosmetic procedures that aren’t medically necessary, is not covered by insurance. But that isn’t stopping men from spending just over $2224 on average for the procedure. Facility and anesthesia fees typically run another $1600.

Perhaps surprisingly, one of most popular fat removal procedures for men pertains to a part of the body most commonly associated with women.

“We see men wanting to have their breasts made smaller,” says Dr. Sterkin. “It’s a condition called gynecomastia, and is seen in middle age men and adolescents. Although certain drugs and medical problems have been linked to male breast development, there is no known cause in the vast majority of cases. It is likely hormonal in most cases. Men don’t like to look feminine in the breast area, and young or old, it’s almost always embarrassing, and something they want to address.”

Botox
While liposuction and breast reduction rank nationally among the top five surgical procedures for men, clearly the top dog is the cosmetic form of the botulinum toxin called Botox. It temporarily reduces or eliminates frown lines, forehead creases, crow’s feet near the eyes and thick bands in the neck. The toxin blocks nerve impulses, temporarily paralyzing the muscles that cause wrinkles.

Botox is in the family of minimally invasive cosmetic procedures, including collagen injections, laser skin resurfacing and microdermabrasion. According to the ASPS, doctors performed nearly 900,000 Botox procedures alone last year; 12 % for men.

“For men, the most important area is the upper face as far as looking old,” Dr. Sterkin emphasizes.

In addition to Botox injections and other skin care, Dr. Sterkin sees a lot of men seeking more dramatic changes, including rhinoplasty, chin augmentation, and upper and lower eyelid and brow surgery.

“Many actors and artists are familiar with the upper face and brow area in communicating feelings,” he says. “Often we recognize feelings like fatigue only through the upper face. But unfortunately, aging can result in constant expressions of tiredness. People may think you’re sad or tired when you’re not.”

Eyelid surgery takes 30 to 45 minutes per lid, and the patient usually goes home that day. Any swelling or bruising is typically gone after about ten days.

“Today our techniques are better than ever,” explains Dr. Sterkin. “If you pursue cosmetic surgery for the right reasons, there’s no reason not to try to look and feel your best.”

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