In recent years, there has been a significant shift in cosmetic surgery; more men are seeking cosmetic procedures to enhance their appearance, boost their confidence, and stay competitive both socially and professionally. What was once a largely female-driven industry is now seeing a steady rise in male patients who are no longer hesitant to take charge of how they age. From eyelid surgery to neck lifts and facial rejuvenation, men are embracing the benefits of cosmetic plastic surgery with a new level of openness and intention. To explore this growing trend, we sat down with Dr. Robert Schwarcz, one of the nation’s leading oculofacial and plastic reconstructive surgeons, to get his insights on why more men are turning to the operating room and what they’re looking for when they get there.

Dr. Robert Schwarcz is a dual board-certified oculofacial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, widely regarded as a leader in the field of facial aging and aesthetic surgery. Renowned for his ability to achieve natural-looking results with exceptional skill and precision, He is frequently sought after for his expertise in procedures that deliver subtle, refined rejuvenation, enhancing the face without obvious signs of surgical work. With practices located in both Manhattan and Scarsdale, New York, he has built a reputation for excellence in both cosmetic and functional facial surgery.

Dr. Schwarcz, are you seeing the rise of more men coming in for plastic surgery procedures?

DR. ROBERT SCHWARCZ: Yes, I’ve definitely seen a noticeable increase, about 20% over recent years. When I first started my practice, male patients were very few. When they came in to my practice, it was usually because their wife had a procedure and brought them along. Sometimes, men would come in after a divorce, wanting to look younger or feel more confident for dating or career reasons. Now, men are seeking out plastic surgery purely for themselves. They don’t feel the need to justify it anymore. They just want to look and feel better.

Q: What types of procedures are men most frequently asking for?

DR. SCHWARCZ: The most common procedure I see is lower eyelid blepharoplasty, which helps reduce puffiness or «bags» under the eyes. Men really focus on that tired look, and this surgery helps them appear more refreshed. Neck lifts are also very popular. They are often more concerned about the jawline and neck area than the midface. While face lifts are still requested, the emphasis tends to be more on the lower face and neck region. Rhinoplasty is another common request among men, but I generally refer those cases to colleagues who specialize in nasal surgery. I prefer to focus on facial aging procedures and perform them frequently so I can maintain the highest level of expertise.

Q: Do men handle post-surgical recovery differently than women?

DR. SCHWARCZ: Yes, very differently. Women usually listen when I tell them to take a full week or two to recover. They might get a little restless, but they follow instructions. Men, on the other hand, are notoriously impatient. I’ll give them the same guidance, and two days later they are trying to get back to work. That’s actually one of the biggest challenges I face with male patients, getting them to slow down and allow their bodies to heal properly.

Are you noticing more men turning to non-surgical procedures like Botox or fillers as well?

DR. SCHWARCZ: Yes, men are doing Botox and fillers more than before, but they are still more drawn to surgical solutions. While some will come in for those non-invasive treatments, I find that many male patients prefer to make a bigger change, rather than doing regular maintenance treatments.

Do male patients reveal why they are seeking cosmetic surgery procedures?

DR. SCHWARCZ: In the past, men would usually give a reason, something like wanting to compete with younger colleagues or look better after a breakup. But now, they don’t really bring it up at all. The stigma has faded. They’re more comfortable with the idea that it’s okay to want to improve their appearance, and they no longer feel the need to explain it.

Are there specific techniques or principles you follow when working on male patients?

DR. SCHWARCZ: Yes. When performing cosmetic surgery on men, my first priority is always to preserve a masculine appearance. You never want to feminize a male face. Their skin tends to be thicker than a woman’s’, so changes should be more subtle to look natural. I also believe it’s okay to leave some wrinkles around the eyes. It actually helps keep the results look more natural. Men should look like a better version of themselves, not like they had work done.

Are you seeing younger men coming in now compared to previous years?

DR. SCHWARCZ: Yes, I’m seeing men in their 30s now, which wasn’t very common before. But I’m also very careful with that age group. If someone comes in and I don’t think they need surgery, I’ll tell them so. I’m not going to operate on someone just because they ask. There needs to be a real clinical benefit and a strong reason to proceed.

Q: What do you think is driving this younger generation to consider surgery so early?

DR. SCHWARCZ: A lot of it has to do with visibility. Zoom meetings, social media, and also dating apps. Men are seeing themselves more often on screens, and they’re becoming hyper-aware of how they look.

Overall, there’s a growing acceptance of men seeking cosmetic surgery, and it’s no longer seen as shameful or vain. Men want to look good and now feel more empowered to take steps toward that goal. This reflects a broader cultural shift in how we approach self-care and aging. Just like women, men want to look their best and today, they feel more comfortable pursuing that. P