Why moob jobs are on the rise
10:50 23 September 2009
Cosmetic surgery on men's ballooning breasts has nearly doubled within a year, making it one of the most popular procedures for a man to undertake.
The average cost to get unwanted breasts reduced and toned is £2,000 but why the sudden spike in moobs and operations?
Dr Aamer Khan, a cosmetic surgeon from London's famed Harley Street Medical Skin Clinic, told the Daily Mirror: "Gynecomastia – man boobs – is partly genetic and partly down to lifestyle.
"We eat more processed foods that are high in oestrogen and our water supply is high in oestrogen, due to farming methods and women on the pill. Plus weÂ’re not as active as we could be.
"Men are more aware of what they can have done now. We see patients in their 50s and 60s who are divorced and back on the market, or men who have been made redundant and want to give themselves confidence."
Indeed, the Heat magazine era has produced a national addiction for pointing out even the most minor of 'flaws' . The fact remains however, that every man has breast tissue; some more excessive than others.
Whether the cause is a natural imbalance or the result of poor diet and exercise, many men want to take action.
One positive aspect of the media attention to moobs is that it has drawn many more men out of hiding to seek aid, as the increased figures prove.
The surgery methods have also changed. Previously, the fat would've been cut away which would require a general anaesthetic and leave scarring.
New liposculpting techniques can be undertaken while the patient is subjected to a local anaesthetic instead in a procedure that lasts 90 minutes after which the patient can go straight home. This is what is driving more men through the surgeon's door, it has been argued.
Dr Khan continues: "About 40% of our patients are men now and are having work on their moobs, chins and tummies. Generally men aren't prepared for surgery – we're wimps – but give them a non-surgical option and they're keen.
"This can make such a big difference to their lives and the new procedures are minimally invasive.
"A lot of men we see are really, really upset. They won't take their children swimming because they ask 'why arenÂ’t you wearing a bra, Dad?' Or men are embarrassed to take their top off and play with their grandchildren."
To find out more information about procedures of this nature, try calling the Harley Street Medical Skin Clinic on 020 7935 0986 or visit the website here.