Doesn’t cut like a knife
Former tennis superstar Boris Becker recently admitted that he has undergone a facelift to protect his face against the ravages of ageing. Becker said in a televised interview, “I turned 43 this week, and winning Wimbledon was 25 years ago, and I do feel very much like I’m 43 right now,” as he revealed that he had opted for a facelift and a hair colouring treatment in an attempt to bring back his youth. Incidentally, Becker and his second wife Lilly Kerssenberg became parents this February.
While men in the spotlight are open about getting surgical hair implants, not many admit going under the knife to improve their looks. Cosmetic surgery in fact, has long been considered the recourse of women. But plastic surgeon Meenakshi Agarwal presents another side of the story. “Now, the number of men and women seeking cosmetic surgery is almost equal. Because women are so vigilant about their appearances, men are also coming under pressure to look good. My male patients religiously use the creams I prescribe,” says Dr Agarwal. She reveals that while men in their early 20s generally come looking for skin treatments, those in their late 20s and 30s seek hair transplants. A large number of men also opt for gynaecomastia correction, or male breast reduction surgery.
For all the rise in their numbers, young men say they wouldn’t opt to go under the knife unless circumstances demand it. Actor Arya Babbar jests, “When I turn 45-50 and if I’m still in the film industry, working with young actresses, then I may consider going under the knife. Right now, there’s nothing I want to get rid of.”
Media professional Nikhil Acharya and fitness instructor Tejas Patel both assert that they would go in for cosmetic surgery only in an extreme case like an accident. “I’m happy with my face, so I don’t see any reason for going under the knife. For people with facial deformities however, it is a great option to help them return to normalcy,” says Patel. While Acharya reiterates, “I’m not against cosmetic surgery; to each his own, I believe. But I would only opt for it if my health demanded it, rather than for the purposes of vanity.”
Both Babbar and Dr Agarwal add a note of caution. “The results of any procedure are only as good as the surgeon,” says Babbar, while Dr Agarwal strongly recommends visiting only a board certified cosmetic or plastic surgeon. “There is no substitute for experience and a positive reputation,” she says.
Post new comment