Boom in aesthetic procedures

A look at the statistics of the Association of German Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (VDAPC) suggests: Many Germans are not (or no longer) satisfied with their appearance.

For 2022 alone, there was an increase in aesthetic treatments of around 15 percent. In plain language, this means that almost 480,000 surgical, but medically unnecessary, procedures were carried out - on the face and on the body. This makes Germany one of the countries with the most aesthetic plastic procedures worldwide, according to the International Society of Plastic Surgery.

Clear leader is wrinkle treatment with botulinum toxin, followed by treatments with hyaluronic acid and fillers, as well as liposuction. VDÄPC still sees the pandemic years as a trigger. Factors such as home office, video conferencing and increased use of social media - where people have become more concerned with their appearance - are cited as the most common reason for undergoing a procedure.

What the statistics also reveal: The vast majority of patients are female. But men are catching up. Now, almost every sixth patient is male. But what exactly do women and men want from an aesthetic procedure? Are there similarities? Where are the differences?

Top performer: minimally invasive treatments at the forefront

In the past two years, the demand for so-called minimally invasive treatments has risen sharply. Both women and men desire a fresh and alert reflection in the mirror. "Forehead and frown lines as well as nasolabial folds affect all genders, which is why Botox and filler treatments are the most common non-invasive procedures," says Dr. Juliane Bodo, specialist in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery from Berlin. "Even a blepharoplasty – the upper eyelid lift – is equally desired by both genders. In the course of the natural aging process, excess skin and protruding fatty tissue on the upper eyelid make faces appear tired," explains the doctor.

Nevertheless, there are some differences in what should be achieved with Botox & Co.: women want to regain their youthful and even facial features. Men, on the other hand, want to appear not only more attractive but also more dynamic.

The younger generation is more open about the topic of self-optimization

In a study by the American journal JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery, 145 participants were each presented with various pictures of 24 men. The impact of the faces was to be assessed independently. The result: Men who had previously undergone aesthetic facial procedures appeared more masculine, sympathetic, and trustworthy to viewers. According to VDÄPC statistics, alongside the classic jawline contouring, the fight against deep expression lines also plays a crucial role here.

Exactly with these wishes, patients also come to Dr. Bodo's practice: "Men expect these treatments to make them appear more successful in their jobs. Especially in our fast-paced society, a man with a fresh and wrinkle-free face seems more capable than a tired-looking man."

In general, the younger generation is more open about the topic of self-optimization um. Not infrequently, young women and men come to practices with edited photos of themselves or pictures of successful influencers, models, or stars. However, these should only serve as inspiration for any reputable doctor, not as a guideline.

Dr. Juliane Bodo

Body optimization

Once a purely female domain, now desired by more and more men - breast surgery. But unlike women, the aim is not to enlarge the breast, but to reduce and shape it. In the treatment of so-called gynecomastia, a harmless enlargement of the mammary gland tissue, a small incision is used to specifically remove part of the enlarged mammary gland and tighten the tissue. If there is an increase in adipose tissue (lipomastia), it can be removed by liposuction.

In contrast, women are increasingly demanding breast augmentations with autologous fat. The reason could be the desire for more naturalness. In so-called lipofilling, solid tissue is first suctioned from the buttocks, abdomen, or thighs, processed, and then injected into the breast tissue, where it spreads evenly.

The decisive advantage over implants: autologous fat is the body's own material, which is also referred to as a bio-implant. Therefore, the body will not reject it, as can sometimes happen with silicone implants. Incidentally, men are increasingly having their calves padded and shaped with the transplantation of autologous fat.

And last but not least, the necessary liposuction also reduces unwanted and stubborn fat deposits. Overall, the demand for liposuction is increasing, especially among men. "While women try to dissolve their fat deposits first with minimally invasive methods such as fat-away injections or cryolipolysis, men usually strive for permanent solutions," explains the specialist.

This also makes sense because special technologies can be used for liposuction in men due to the greater muscle mass and different fat distribution: The so-called "VASER Hi Def 4D" liposuction is particularly efficient: Ultrasound energy is used to dissolve and suction off disturbing fat tissue without significant tissue injuries.

Another special feature: This method is performed circumferentially, meaning it works very finely on the body contour and can shape it as desired. This leads to an additional emphasis on muscle groups without the need for significant physical exertion. Extremely popular with men!

Filler material: Hair transplant

One of the aesthetic surgeries that primarily affects men is hair transplantation. About 80 percent of all men are affected by hair loss during their lifetime, which often puts a significant strain on their psyche. Because not only for women do hair play a crucial role in terms of self-image and attractiveness. No wonder, then, that there are now almost 90 hair transplant doctors and clinics in Germany, and the trend is rising.

By the way, hair transplantation is one of the few aesthetic topics men exchange about. On one hand, because there are many fellow sufferers, on the other hand, because the treatment is relatively low-risk and achieves satisfactory results. Dr. Juliane Bodo confirms: "From my practical experience, I know that especially older men do not want their circle of friends or colleagues to find out that 'work has been done.' Women, on the other hand, are quite open when it comes to their procedures."