Cosmetic surgery was used long ago in ancient India. Physicians were utilizing skin grafts as early as the 8th century B.C. However, because surgery of any kind, especially those involving the head or face, come with many risks, cosmetic surgery did not become a commonplace until the 19th century. The first cosmetic surgery performed in the United States was a cleft palate operation in 1827.
Physicians started practicing modern plastic surgery techniques for reconstructive purposes on soldiers with facial injuries during World War I. Plastic surgery has become very popular in recent years; almost 11.5 million cosmetic surgery procedures were performed in 2005.
The number of men electing to get cosmetic surgery increased by 44 percent from 2000 to 2005. Many reported they saw a big difference in their wives' appearances, and then decided to get surgery themselves. Another reason some men give for choosing to get surgery is to keep up with the young men in their offices. Other men might decide to get surgery when re-entering the dating pool after a divorce. The most popular plastic surgery procedures among men are:
1. Botox -- 313,519 men elected this non-surgical procedure in 2005, a 233-percent increase from 2000. The average price in the United States for this procedure is $363.
2. Microdermabrasion -- 201,051 procedures were performed on men in 2005, up 134 percent from 2000. The average price in the United States for this procedure is $177.
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Plastic Surgery
A greater number of men are opting for plastic surgery to improve their appearance.
 
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3. Laser Hair Removal -- 173,387 men had laser hair removal to remove hair and reduce hair growth, sometimes permanently. This was a 30-percent increase from 2000. The average price in the United States for this procedure is $406.
4. Chemical Peel -- 108,551 men went opted for this treatment in an attempt for smoother skin. This number was actually 46-percent decrease from 2000. The average price in the United States for this procedure is $628.
5. Nose Reshaping (Rhinoplasty) -- 99,681 men went for this plastic surgery procedure in 2005, a 34-percent decrease from 2000. The average price in the United States for this procedure is $3,511.
6. Hair Transplantation -- 39,245 procedures were performed on men in 2005, a 3-percent decrease from 2000. The average price in the United States for this procedure is $4,755.
7. Laser Skin Resurfacing -- 37,999 men underwent this cosmetic procedure in 2005, up 76 percent from 2000. The average price in the United States for this procedure is $1,977.
8. Liposuction -- 35,673 men went to their surgeons for liposuction in 2005, a 31-percent decrease from 2000. The average price in the United States for this procedure is $2,323.
9. Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) -- 32,988 men underwent eyelid lifts in 2005, down 43 percent from 2000. The average price in the United States for this procedure is $2,534.
