The research shows that 18 per cent more men had the fat removal surgery in 2007, making it the second most popular male plastic surgery procedure after nose reshaping. Other procedures such as facelifts and breast surgery also gained popularity this year. The figures suggested a 61 per cent increase in the number of men undertaking tummy tucks, and demonstrated that 27 per cent more men were turning to breast surgery to have their 'moobs' - a slang term for man boobs - reduced.
Nigel Mercer of BAAPS believes an increasing number of men are suffering from obesity and gynaecomastia, the medical term for male breast growth. He said: "We have been seeing more men with gynaecomastia in recent years. There are a variety of reasons for male breasts getting bigger, these include a rise in obesity, a rise in drinking and potentially, more female hormones in the environment."
The actual number of men opting for liposuction procedures rose from 494 in 2006 to 582 in 2007. Doctors attribute this significant increase to society's emphasis on maintaining bodily perfection and a youthful appearance. Dalia Nield, a consultant plastic surgeon at the London Clinic, said: "In the past men probably put up with having strange shaped bodies, or developing breasts. Now men know there is a solution. They regard operations as a way of giving them a better quality of life. It is rare for men to come to me because they want to look like one of the Chippendales."
The increase in liposuction could also be attributed to the development of new, less invasive procedures such as .
Although men are undertaking more plastic surgery procedures than ever, 91 per cent of all procedures are still performed on women.
