Plastic surgery is becoming a popular activity for couples, according to the LA Times. More and more men and women are scheduling their procedures at the same time. Although this trend is currently more common in the US, it’s likely that UK couples will soon follow suit, seeking out clinics to undergo transformations together.
While there are no official statistics from organizations like the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) or the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), representatives have observed an increase in couples opting for cosmetic surgery together. Most of these couples are in their late 30s to late 60s, and the women are often past their childbearing years.
Usually, it’s the woman who first decides to go under the knife. When her partner sees the positive results, he becomes more comfortable with the idea of having a procedure too. Dr. Richard Chaffoo, a board-certified plastic surgeon, mentioned in the LA Times that when a woman is pleased with her results, her partner is more likely to consider undergoing surgery himself.
This couples’ trend is partly driven by the growing acceptance of male cosmetic surgery. According to the LA Times, ASAPS data showed that in 2011, nine percent of all cosmetic procedures were performed on men, marking a 127 percent increase since 1997. Similarly, in the UK, the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) reported a 5.6 percent rise in male cosmetic surgery. Nowadays, men are more open to procedures like eyelid and abdominal liposuction surgery, and even breast reduction, which were rare choices a decade ago.
Another reason couples are opting for simultaneous surgeries is the desire to maintain a youthful or slim appearance together. When one partner looks younger or trimmer after a procedure, the other might want to follow suit to keep the “balance.”
It’s important to note that while couples may undergo surgeries around the same time, the procedures themselves often differ. Women might choose a tummy tuck, while men might go for breast reduction. However, liposuction is commonly chosen by both, though the target areas might vary. Sometimes, both partners struggle to lose weight with just diet and exercise, leading them to consider liposuction.
Couples should remember that it’s not recommended to have surgeries at the exact same time. Post-surgery recovery usually requires some help at home, especially in the first few days.
While it’s still early to tell if couples plastic surgery will become a widespread trend in the UK, maybe it’s time to think of the expression “growing old together” as “nipping and tucking together.”