Eva Sheie (00:00):
You're listening to Where Before Meets After.

Dr. Baltrusch (00:03):
My name's Kyle Baltrusch. I am a plastic surgeon at Portland Plastic Surgery Group in Portland, Oregon. Today we're going to be talking about male plastic surgery.

Eva Sheie (00:13):
Men don't get cosmetic surgery or cosmetic treatments as much as women do. And why do you think that is?

Dr. Baltrusch (00:20):
I think that there used to be a stigma behind plastic surgery. I think that men's goals do differ from women and they want a very natural look and youthful look without being overdone or necessarily being seen for having had plastic surgery. But I certainly think the big issue was a stigma behind it and that men should age gracefully, that they should be content in how they look as they age. And also, I think society puts a standard on beauty and there's more been a pressure on women and an ideal for women. And so with that, we've seen certainly a rise in women seeking plastic surgery. But I think now that there's more of an openness to it and an acceptance towards plastic surgery, we see more and more men seeking plastic surgery for a youthful look that I certainly think social media plays a big part into this as well.

(01:20):
Men see the value in a more youthful look, not only with their personal life, but also their professional life. So we're seeing that gap close. So since the early 2000s, certainly the biggest demographic is women, but we're starting to see that gap close more and more. I want patients to feel reassured that they're doing something for themselves. And so the big thing about consultations with us is that we're just offering all the information and options to patients and learning their goals with plastic surgery. I think that the lingering stigma is still out there that I think male patients are a little wary of seeking plastic surgery, but it's normal. That gap is closing. And I think that pursuing a more natural youthful appearance or addressing stubborn areas after say massive weight loss, things that affect your self-esteem and self-confidence, patients are going to be more happy and confident after surgery.

(02:21):
Pursuing this is normal. And the consultation is simply that it's offering information so that you make an informed decision of what you want to do. Not everyone is a good candidate for what they may feel like they're pursuing. And so we just want to be honest and make sure patients know what they're getting into or looking to do. But I think the big thing is it needs to be normalized more.

Eva Sheie (02:49):
Thanks for listening. I'm your host, Eva Sheie. Follow the show and submit questions for our experts at wherebeforemeetsafter.com. Where Before Meets After is a production of The Axis.