Plastic surgery procedures aren't only gaining popularity among women. Men, too, have begun to turn to cosmetic surgery to enhance their appearance, combat the premature signs of aging, and increase their self confidence. In fact, according to a recent study by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, a full 10% of cosmetic procedures, including both surgical and non-surgical options, were performed on men. This is an increase of over 300% since 1997. This surge in popularity might be attributable to any number of factors, including increasing acceptance of cosmetic surgery and improvements in the quality of cosmetic treatments available, heightened awareness of the social impact that appearance has on both business and social relationships, and the rapidly aging baby boom generation seeking solutions to mitigate the effects of aging. Cosmetic surgery options for men Some of the most popular plastic surgery options for men include:

&bullMale breast reduction. Gynecomastia is a common condition among men, in which excess fat deposits in the chest have the appearance of female breasts. This is generally a harmless condition, but many men are self conscious about the appearance of gynecomastia. In most cases, a simple liposuction procedure is all it takes to reverse this condition, and restore your confidence and self-esteem.

&bullBlepharoplasty, or eyelift. This is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery options among men. Blepharoplasty is a procedure to lift and tighten the skin around the eyes, eliminating sagging, dropping, fatty deposits, and the overall tired appearance around the eyes that is a common effect of the aging process. This procedure can be limited to the upper lids or the lower lids, or may be done in combination for maximum effect.

&bullChin implants. Chin implants and other reshaping procedures are a popular option with men whose chins are too weak, small, or otherwise poorly proportioned. Fortunately, there are a range of options available that can help men achieve a more defined jaw and better proportioned chin, to bring their features into better alignment. Depending on the type and severity of the problem, men may opt for chin implants or injectable solutions to resculpt the chin and jawline.

&bullLiposuction. Liposuction is an excellent treatment for men who have stubborn pockets of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. A liposuction procedure can accurately and effectively target and reduce or eliminate these fat deposits with a minimally invasive procedure, which can normally be performed in a single office visit under local anesthesia. Nonsurgical cosmetic treatments for men Some of the most popular nonsurgical cosmetic treatments for men include: &bullBotox Cosmetic. Botox Cosmetic is an injectable treatment that relaxes the facial muscles, usually along the brow, where deep lines can can often create a permanent frown that contributes to the appearance of age. When injected, Botox Cosmetic causes the muscles of the brow to relax, which smooths the brow and makes you look younger and more refreshed almost instantly.

&bullChemical peels and laser peels. Chemical peels and laser peels are skin treatments that gently slough off the damaged outer layer of skin, revealing a younger looking, more vital complexion, and reducing wrinkles, discoloration, and other signs of aging. The results of these procedures are similar, but chemical peels use safe but caustic chemicals to slough off the outer layer of skin, while laser peels use a calibrated laser that targets only the outer layer of skin. If you are a man considering cosmetic treatment, it is important that you seek the advice of a cosmetic surgeon such as Dr. Otto Placik who has training and experience treating the unique needs and aesthetic standards of men.