Queensland men are increasingly turning to cosmetic surgery in an image-obsessed society

Plastic surgeons across Brisbane have reported a 20 to 30 per cent increase in male clients as social media influences Queensland men to have cosmetic surgery more than ever before, and there are two procedures in particular that are proving most popular.

QUEENSLAND men are going under the knife more than ever before with chin and calf implants the most popular procedures.

Surgeons across Brisbane have reported a 20 to 30 per cent increase in male clients, they say is due to an image-obsessed society, social media and less stigma around cosmetic surgery.

Most male clients are seeking to look more masculine, with many requesting to look like celebrities, including Hollywood heart-throb George Clooney.

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The George Clooney look is a popular request from cosmetic surgery patients. Picture: Getty

Injectables have also become more popular, with many male clients requesting anti-wrinkle injections, fillers or collagen.

Dr Paul Belt from Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Greenslopes said five or so years ago men would make up five to 10 per cent of clients, but now it was 25 to 40 per cent.

“We do see men commonly getting injectables, eyelid reductions as well as plastic face lifts, plus a lot of the men have lost a lot of weight, which creates excess skin they want to deal with,” he said.

“Men want to keep up with the women. It’s not uncommon to have couples come in. The Baby Boomers are seeking it a lot more.”

Before and after in a breast reduction procedure.

“Surgery numbers are going up, as is the ratio of men to women getting surgery.”

Dr Belt, a representative of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons said it was important patients undertake procedures with qualified surgeons.

“Patients shouldn’t be afraid to ask to see credentials,” he said.

Cosmetic surgeon Simon Rosenbaum men were becoming much more conscious of their appearance.

“I do see some male patients who have body dysmorphia issues, which is likely due to social media’s influence,” he said.

“Some are average men off the street, but the number of athletic men who come in asking for bigger looking muscles has grown significantly.”

Dr Rosenbaum said calf implants were in demand.

Before and after in a calf enhancement procedure.

“It’s a $10,000, two-hour procedure, where a silicon implant is inserted between two muscles in the calf, giving the illusion of larger, more toned calf muscles,” he said.

“Calf implants were once only used to treat effects of disease or illnesses that caused muscle shrinkage, but of course, over time men who are body conscious believe this is a necessary procedure for their self-esteem.”

Chin enhancement surgery is also popular with Dr Rosenbaum’s male patients, with the surgeon attributing its popularity to the notion that a square jaw appears more masculine.

“Men want to look like the typical American movie star, like the George Clooney type,” he said.

Dr Raymond Goh of Valley Plastic Surgery performs both reconstructive and cosmetic surgery in men and women of all ages.

“Social definitions of what makes an attractive man have evolved,” he said.

Dr Paul Belt from Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Greenslopes has seen a rapid growth in men asking for procedures. Picture: Russell Shakespeare

“Multiple social media platforms bring increasing exposure to male influencers and role models who define what is attractive.

“In a world where having a good education, job, or high income no longer sets you above the rest, a man’s appearance is becoming a greater factor in determining his self-esteem and confidence.

“Individuals want to feel confident in themselves, especially when they interact with others.

“Whether we like it or not, our world judges us on appearance.”

Plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr Matthew Peters, also from Valley Plastic Surgery, said a challenge of the job was to ensure patients were realistic.

“With this social media influence, I do see a lot of patients coming to me with pictures of their ideal body images,” he said.

“Sometimes that’s hard as a plastic surgeon, because these people are setting themselves to an ideal within society, and sometimes it’s just not realistic for that particular person.”

Originally published as Queensland men are increasingly turning to cosmetic surgery in an image-obsessed society