Avinash (name changed), a 27-year-old software engineer, working for a leading MNC, never felt an inferiority complex when it came to his work and career. But he was conscious about his looks. “It is true that a beautiful mind is more valuable than a beautiful face but if looking good makes me happy and gives me more confidence about myself then why not give it a try,” said Avinash. Ever since his gynecomastia (breast reduction) surgery last year, Avinash said, “things have changed. I definitely look better and most importantly I look forward to new fashion trends now that I am confident enough to try various looks. Obviously, I can’t expect to look good in everything I wear just because I had a beauty surgery but the point is that now I am more comfortable with my body.” Avinash is not an exception who opted for a cosmetic surgery. In fact, the number of men in Delhi-NCR preferring cosmetic surgeries to enhance their looks has increased. Even though women are still the major consumer of cosmetic procedures, recent trends showcase more men going under the knife to get their flaws treated. “The number of male patients has increased in the last three-four years. On an average, we operate on four-five men in a week. Earlier the number was single to none. Even though cosmetic surgery has been in India for over four decades, it wasn’t something people openly talked about. However, today, financial status is no longer a limitation as statistics reveal that 53% of our patients view cosmetic surgery as an investment and a significant number of them are men as well,” said Sunil Choudhary, director of Max Institute of Reconstructive, Aesthetic, Cleft & Craniofacial Surgery (MIRACLES), New Delhi. Most popular procedures among men currently are breast reduction, hair transplant, rhinoplasty (nose job) and liposuction (fat removal). “Almost in every locality you can find a gym where boys sweat hard to get into shape. But some may find themselves at a loss due to excess fat and cosmetic surgery can prove to be a great help here,” said Choudhary. The rise in demand is conspicuous in the 25-30 years age group. The major factors remain a contemporary modern outlook, financial independence and an increasing desire to look their best. Along with 48% of women admitting to witness a shift in mind-set, even 37% of the men agree. But Choudhary warned against unrealistic expectations. “It is one thing to get a crooked nose fixed but it is another thing to get a nose job only because you want to look like a certain actor. It is important for patients to understand that cosmetic surgery can only change your looks, not your life. What really changes your life are your perceptions. It is important to diagnose the mental stability of a patient who is undergoing a cosmetic surgery. What expectations can the knife meet and what it can’t must be communicated in clear terms to the patient. There is a difference in photoshop and a real surgery.” Reflecting upon the cosmetic surgery as an industry in India, Choudhary said: “The cosmetic surgery industry is fragmented in India. How many doctors are active and where have they come from is hard to document right now. People who want to go for surgery must stay aware of tall-claims made through advertisements. Discretion must be practised. Also, keep yourself well-informed about various procedures before you decide to opt for a cosmetic surgery.”
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