Expert: Why More And More Men Are Turning To Plastic Surgery
Rising numbers of men now see plastic surgery in the same way they see fitness or skincare, a leading expert has said.
Dr Manish Sinha said he is now treating more and more male patients who see procedures as just another form of self-care.
Dr. Sinha, a leading UK plastic surgeon, said: “Once viewed as a niche market dominated by women, cosmetic surgery is experiencing a quiet but undeniable revolution among men.
“Over the past few years, an increasing number of men have opted for aesthetic procedures, from hair transplants and rhinoplasties to jawline fillers and chest contouring. While this shift has been gradual, recent statistics suggest male cosmetic procedures are no longer an exception; they are an emerging norm.
“Men today are far more open to aesthetic procedures than ever before. The stigma is fading, and the modern man understands that looking good isn’t just about vanity; it’s about confidence, career opportunities, and feeling comfortable in your own skin.”
Here, Dr. Sinha shares his expert analysis on why more UK men are embracing cosmetic enhancements, what’s driving the trend, and whether the industry is ready to cater to them:
A Market on the Rise
“While men still make up a minority of cosmetic surgery patients, their participation in aesthetic procedures has grown significantly. Despite a 20% decline in 2023, likely due to economic challenges, overall numbers remain far above pre-pandemic levels.”
“According to the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), male cosmetic procedures saw a 118% increase in 2022, marking the largest annual rise on record.
“Rhinoplasty, liposuction, hair transplants, and “Brotox” (Botox for men) continue to dominate male aesthetics. Yet, the focus has shifted from dramatic transformations to subtle, natural-looking enhancements.
“Initially, procedures like gynecomastia surgery were mostly sought after by bodybuilders or those with severe cases, but now, men see chest contouring as a straightforward option to enhance their appearance. The same applies to hair transplants and jawline enhancements, men no longer view these treatments as extreme measures but as simple ways to refine their features.”
“This shift has been largely driven by changing societal norms, social media, and increased accessibility of cosmetic procedures. As a result, what was once considered a niche or even taboo topic is now an integral part of modern male self-care, particularly in an era where digital visibility plays a crucial role in personal and professional life.
The Social Media Effect and The New Beauty Standard
“For decades, a rugged, unpolished look was considered the standard of masculinity. But today, men’s beauty standards have changed dramatically. The rise of Instagram, TikTok, and reality TV culture has normalized male grooming and aesthetic enhancements. At the same time, international beauty trends have influenced UK aesthetics, particularly from South Korea, where cosmetic procedures and advanced skincare routines are widely embraced by men.
“Social media has intensified self-awareness when it comes to appearance. Men are now constantly exposed to carefully curated images of influencers, actors, and athletes with sculpted features and flawless skin.”
“This has created a heightened desire to refine their own looks in a way that appears natural yet polished. They want to make subtle improvements that enhance their features without making it obvious they’ve had work done.”
“This shift has been amplified by celebrity influence. High-profile figures like Wayne Rooney and Jimmy Carr have openly discussed hair transplants, helping destigmatize cosmetic enhancements for men. Once a taboo subject, hair restoration is now a booming industry, with thousands of British men seeking treatment both in the UK and abroad.
The “Turkey Effect”: The Rise of Medical Tourism
“Two of the biggest factors driving male cosmetic procedures are cost and accessibility. With UK clinics charging premium rates for procedures like hair transplants and liposuction, many men are looking elsewhere—specifically, Turkey.
“Dubbed “The Turkey Effect,” thousands of British men travel abroad each year for budget-friendly procedures, with Turkey leading the market in hair transplants. In 2023, Turkey attracted 1.8 million healthcare tourists, earning the country $3.1 billion.
“The affordability of procedures in Turkey is a huge pull factor. But what patients often overlook is post-surgery care. A hair transplant might cost half the price abroad, but complications from poor aftercare can end up costing far more in the long run.”
The Future of Male Cosmetic Surgery in the UK
“The male cosmetic industry is no longer a niche sector—it is a rapidly growing, evolving market.
“Men now see aesthetic treatments the same way they see fitness or skincare; it’s just another form of self-care. And as long as procedures are done ethically, there’s no reason why they shouldn’t explore these options.
“Some men perceive cosmetic surgery as a shortcut to a fit physique, which is not right. Surgery should complement a healthy lifestyle, not replace it.”
With advancements in non-invasive procedures, better technology, and increased social
“As more men walk through clinic doors with confidence, one thing is clear: the era of men quietly avoiding cosmetic procedures is over. The modern man is embracing aesthetics, and he’s here to stay.
