The number of male plastic surgery patients continues to increase as the desire to remain youthful in appearance continues. Men undergo these procedures for a range of reasons including lifestyle, job and dating aspirations.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS), the most popular surgeries requested by male patients include hair transplants, facelifts, eyelid and nose jobs.

Although many men are undergoing the types of surgeries listed above, a new phenomenon is emerging as well. Recent research conducted by New York University has found that bone structure, not a perfect nose or wrinkle-free skin, is the new determining factor of virility and physical competence.

The information, published in Scientific American, concludes that wider faces are being seen as more manly, indicating a man has both strength and ability, which are attractive to potential partners.

In addition, something as simple as a happy face was seen as a positive, conveying a sense of trust to those that viewed the various male faces.

“The results suggest you can influence to an extent how trustworthy others perceive you to be in a facial photo, but perceptions of your competence or ability are considerably less able to be changed,” says the study’s senior author, and assistant professor of psychology at NYU, Jonathan Freeman.

If the perception of your facial bone structure isn’t as similar to your desired appearance as you would like, there are steps you can take to change it. One of these steps is a surgical procedure at The Lett Center.

The Lett Center offers chin and cheek implants for those that want to create a more defined facial profile or bring various aspects of the face into proportion. This type of procedure can also accent the upper cheeks, making them appear higher and fuller.

Other patients choose to undergo a cheek implant due to the effects of aging, rounding out the cheeks in order to make them appear full and more youthful.

Despite the timing of this recent study, high cheekbones and a strong facial profile have been a desired look for both men and women, as seen in the faces of models, movie stars and everyday people.

Utilizing permanent cheek implants, also known as a malarplasty, can be performed on either the lower or higher facial area. During a cheek augmentation, incisions are made on either side of the mouth, usually through either the lower cheek or directly below the bottom eyelid on the high cheek.

The surgery can last anywhere between 30 minutes and one hour depending on the patient. Following the surgery, the face will be fitted with bandages, taped or otherwise secured, to speed up the recovery process and reduce swelling.

Keeping the head elevated, as well as maintaining a liquid diet for the first few days are important steps toward a healthy, comfortable recovery.

To learn more about the procedure, schedule a consultation with Dr. Lett of The Lett Center today.