If you were asked is it men or women who get plastic surgery and liposuction more, most would invariably say women. Although that is true, the popularity of cosmetic surgery among men in the U.S. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, cosmetic surgery among men has increased steadily since 2001. This makes up an increase of over eight percent. Also according to the ASPS, men received a new record 1.1 million cosmetic procedures. Listed were everything from Botox to all forms of liposuction. In turn that makes male cosmetic surgery a $12.2 billion-dollar-a-year industry.

In a recent article in Men`s fitness, "Surgery goes hand in hand with the rising trend of improving health and fitness. People are taking better care of themselves and want to look as good as they feel" says Richard A. D`Amico, M.D., president-elect of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. "The old myth about plastic surgery was that it was a lazy-person`s substitute for diet and exercise. Nothing could be further from the truth. The best use of plastic surgery is for it to be part of a healthy lifestyle that is lifelong."

Men are still in the minority though, making up roughly 10% of patients. Plastic surgery was once reserved for those elite in Hollywood and for public figures, now with costs coming down, and its popularity increasing, Cora Daniels of Men`s Fitness says, "Increasingly, plastic surgeons are seeing relatively young, fit, everyday men--guys just like Joe--flood their reception rooms. And for men in their 20s and 30s, body contouring of all forms has never been more sought after."

Daniels claims, "Whether you`re overweight or just unhappy with your body shape, coming to terms with the body you`ve been given can be a lifelong struggle. And it never gets easier." Fact is the number of fat cells all humans have is already determined by the time a person hits puberty (give or take a year). When you gain weight you are not increasing the number of fat cells you are just expanding them. Daniels continues, "the distribution of those cells, and how much they can contract, is completely beyond our control."

According to Daniels, "experts say male fat tends to be more localized and less stretched by things such as pregnancy, so if you do choose to go the surgical route, at least you can expect good results."

So if you are a guy and contemplating cosmetic surgery, consider these five things you should know before you take the plunge. "Forget the word cosmetic and remember the word surgery" warns FOAD NAHAI, M.D., president of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. His tips are only have the procedure completed by a surgeon certified by the ABPS. Always go for a consultation before surgery. You should also feel comfortable with that doctor, and if you are not, find a new one. Always, always, always get references and see prior work of the doctor you have chose. Make sure the procedure is being performed at a facility that is accredited by the state in which it is being done. Finally, take your time in making the decision. You should be 100% absolutely sure you want to proceed, before you do

By: Bruce A. Tucker