A Dubious Equality: Men, Women, and Cosmetic Surgery

The document from 2002 examines the rise in cosmetic surgery among men, noting that they accounted for 10% of the 2.8 million procedures in the US in 1998, with hair transplants and nose reshaping being the most common. It discusses the media's portrayal of male cosmetic surgery, which is often met with skepticism or ridicule, and contrasts this with the more accepted view of female cosmetic surgery. The author critiques the idea of sexual equality in cosmetic surgery, arguing that it remains a predominantly feminine practice and that the equality discourse may overlook gender-specific experiences and cultural meanings. The document also explores the medical community's ambivalence towards male cosmetic surgery, with male patients often viewed as deviant or problematic, and suggests that cosmetic surgery does not enhance masculinity in the same way it does femininity. Despite advancements in medical technology and a cultural shift towards male body aesthetics, the document concludes that the gender gap in cosmetic surgery is likely to persist.