Sunday, June 26, 2005
Plastic Surgery for Men – Go Ahead. Make Your Day!
By Rita Bishop
Special Sections Writer
The fact is that men have fewer facelifts than women. But that is beginning to change according to Dr. Lloyd Krieger, founder and medical director of Rodeo Drive Plastic Surgery. “What we’ve realized is that we have to do different procedures or use a different style,” said Krieger.
Let’s face it. Men and women are different – their skin is different and their problems are different. “Men need different procedures or the same procedure done stylistically differently,” he explained.Procedures like a direct necklift – removing excess skin rather than pulling it up like a traditional facelift – may leave a scar, but men have thicker skin and more hair follicles, which help with the healing process so it is less of a concern. “While we’re in there we also tighten the muscle,” he added.
This is a procedure traditionally not done in women.
A few of the more common procedures men are requesting are peels, Botox, and liposuction.
Lipo removes fat accumulation for men in areas like under the chin, chest, tummy, and love handles – defining the muscles underneath. “Men want a solid and chiseled look, so we are more aggressive in liposuction so that the pec and ab muscles are more visible. It’s a stylistic difference.”
The same procedure is used for women, but stylistically different – women want to be thinner, but curvy. Women want the tummy, thighs, and hips fixed.
“And it’s not only about looking younger. It’s dealing with a genetic tendency. I see a lot of young men who are in good shape, but that may have a genetic tendency towards an accumulation of fat in the tummy or chest or love handle areas.”
Krieger made a conscious decision in decorating his offices by using a gender-neutral look so it would appeal to both men and women. “Men can be uncomfortable talking about these issues. In a typical consultation, we answer any questions, take pictures to show what can be done and talk about recovery,” said Krieger.
And there is yet another difference regarding having something done. Many woman can’t wait to talk about what they’ve had done. But Krieger finds that most men are a bit more secretive. “Men want to know how to cover it up, how to keep it quiet, and when they can go back to work and to the gym.”
The approach to beginning the process with men is a little different, also. “We men are the worst patients. We have a lower pain threshold. And we are worse at following instructions, which can compromise the results,” Krieger continued. “I go though an elaborate process of education men – actually enter into a partnership about what to do after surgery.”
a partnership about what to do after surgery.”
Bottom line. Men also want to have good skin and a good look that makes them feel confident. Dr. Krieger knows that women have enjoyed the benefits of plastic surgery procedures, and he wants men to understand that some of the same procedures with slight modifications can do the same for them.
For more information call (310) 550-6300 or visit www.rodeodriveplasticsurgery.com.
Lloyd M. Krieger, MD is the founder and medical director of Rodeo Drive Plastic Surgery which offers plastic surgery in Beverly Hills, CA. An Assistant Clinical Professor at the UCLA Division of Plastic Surgery, he has completed extensive research on how to make plastic surgery a more rewarding experience for patients. This academic work has led to the publication of more than 50 articles including more than 20 in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, the premier plastic surgery journal.
A sought after lecturer by other plastic surgeons on this subject, he writes frequently for The New York Time, The Los Angeles Times, The Wall Street journal and Barron’s. His work has won him numerous awards including three research grants from the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the Society’s prestigious Sherrel J.Aston Award.
