Plastic surgery for men is a growing trend. Statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) show that cosmetic surgery is no longer just for women.

Cosmetic procedures for men are up in all categories. In the past year, over one million men had plastic surgery. And men seem to be opting for more involved procedures, as opposed to less invasive techniques. Facelifts for men are up over 14 percent. Male liposuction is up seven percent. If you are a man and considering plastic surgery, you should examine all your options, and choose a plastic surgeon carefully. You should ask any potential surgeon what percentage of their practice caters to men. Some plastic surgeons may specialize in male surgery more than others.

Plastic surgeons for men say that some of the procedures that have seen the biggest increases in the number of males opting for them are:

• facelift - this type of surgery has seen a big increase among males, with the increase spread across all types of lifts, from full facelift to brow lifts
• ear surgery (otoplasty) - in this procedure, the plastic surgeon can pin ears back against the head
• dermal fillers such a Juvederm and Restylane - women have been using these increasingly, and now men are getting on the bandwagon also
• Botox injections - this procedure is designed for deep wrinkles and frown lines
• liposuction - more men are opting for liposculpture as a way to get rid of excess flab
• breast reduction in men - this procedure treats a condition that plagues many men, enlarged breast size
• eyelid surgery - in this surgery, the doctor lifts the eyelid area and can result in a more youthful appearance
• dermabrasion - this procedure by a plastic surgeon or dermatologist, sands down the skin for a more youthful look
• laser hair removal - while some men want more hair on their head, many want a smooth look on their back or other areas
• laser treatments, especially for leg veins - this procedure can remove unsightly varicose veins and spider veins

ASPS says that the type of man seeking plastic surgery isn't a celebrity - just an average guy who wants to look better.

Men seem to be concerned about facial appearance, such as the nose and eye area, as well as losing excess fat, and dealing with hair loss or bald spots. Plastic surgeons say that, among men, the top five cosmetic procedures are:

• nose reshaping
• eyelid surgery
• liposuction
• breast reduction in men
• hair transplantation

Men are also interested in getting rid of those fine lines and wrinkles on their face and neck, losing excess hair on their face or body. The top minimally invasive procedures for men are:

• Botox injections
• laser hair removal
• microdermabrasion
• chemical peel
• dermal fillers

The interest in plastic surgery by men is fueling an increase in these types of procedures overall, according to ASPS. But for men or women, it's important to examine all alternatives. Keep in mind that this is a serious surgical procedure. Don't consider this without examining many less drastic alternatives.