Rise in male cosmetic surgery: expert explains trends

Posted by

oneshaw2024

February 28, 2026

On February 28, 2026

3 min readChandigarhFeb 23, 2026 08:20 PM IST

As more men now are seeking cosmetic procedures, Dr Samik Sharma, consultant, plastic surgery, GMCH-32, decodes this shift and explains the various treatments that men are opting for, among other things in an interview to Parul.

How many male patients do you consult for cosmetic surgery at GMCH-32 on a daily basis in OPD?

On an average, we see around 20–30 male patients seeking cosmetic/aesthetic consultation at OPD. The number varies depending on referrals and follow-up load.

Has the number of male patients seeking cosmetic surgery increased in recent years?

There has been a significant rise in the number of men seeking cosmetic procedures over recent years. Men are now more open about aesthetic concerns and are increasingly seeking treatment for issues like gynecomastia, body contouring, facial corrections, face lifts, chin implants and hair-related concerns.

What is the age group of men seeking cosmetic procedures?

The most common age group is 20–35 years. This group mostly comes for concerns related to body image and self-confidence. The next common group is 35–50 years, mainly for facial ageing and rejuvenation procedures.

What is the reason for the increasing popularity of cosmetic surgery among men?

There are multiple reasons why more men are opting for cosmetic surgery, like increased awareness and reduced stigma, the influence of social media, and the greater importance of appearance in professional and personal life. Advancements in techniques are making procedures safer with quicker recovery is an important factor, along with a desire for a fit, youthful, and well-contoured look.

Which cosmetic procedures are most in demand among male patients?

The most common procedures requested by male patients include gynecomastia surgery (male breasts), liposuction, body contouring (abdomen, chest), rhinoplasty/ nose correction, scar revision, facial procedures like jawline corrections, and chin enhancement (case-based).

Are cosmetic surgeries safe?

Cosmetic surgeries performed at GMCH are safe because they are done in a fully equipped hospital set up with strict OT protocols. Patients undergo full pre-anaesthesia evaluation, and the hospital has multi-speciality backup available if required. Patient safety is always the top priority.

Story continues below this ad

How do you decide if a patient is suitable for cosmetic surgery?

Suitability is decided after a detailed clinical assessment and examination, understanding if the patient’s expectations are realistic. Medical evaluation including blood tests, sugar levels, BP, ECG, chest fitness, etc are done and factors like obesity, smoking, comorbidities, psychological readiness and counselling are assessed. If there is a high medical risk or unrealistic expectations, surgery is deferred or avoided.

Is there a waiting list for cosmetic surgeries at GMCH?

Yes, usually there is a waiting list due to high patient inflow. The waiting period depends on the type of procedure, OT slots and workload, completion of investigations and fitness clearance, and priority of medically necessary procedures.

What types of cosmetic and aesthetic surgeries are currently being offered to men at GMCH?

At GMCH, male patients commonly undergo gynecomastia surgery, liposuction and body contouring, scar revision and deformity correction, and reconstructive and aesthetic correction after trauma/burns. Benign lump excisions with cosmetic closure (lipoma, cysts etc. when indicated), selected facial aesthetic corrections, including nose corrections in suitable cases, are also done.

Parul is a Principal Correspondent at The Indian Express in Chandigarh. She is a seasoned journalist with over 25 years of experience specializing in public health, higher education, and the architectural heritage of Northern India.

Professional Profile
Education: Graduate in Humanities with a specialized focus on Journalism and Mass Communication from Panjab University, Chandigarh.

Career Path: She began her career covering local city beats and human interest stories before joining The Indian Express in 2009. Over the last decade and a half, she has risen to the rank of Principal Correspondent, becoming the publication’s primary voice on Chandigarh’s premier medical and academic institutions.

Expertise: Her reporting is deeply rooted in the institutional dynamics of PGIMER (Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research) and Panjab University. She is highly regarded for her ability to navigate complex administrative bureaucracies to deliver student-centric and patient-centric news.

Recent Notable Articles (Late 2024 – 2025)
Her recent work highlights critical reporting on healthcare infrastructure, academic governance, and urban culture:

1. Public Health & PGIMER

“PGIMER expands digital registry: Centralized patient records to reduce wait times by 40%” (Nov 20, 2025): A detailed look at the digital transformation of one of India’s busiest medical institutes to tackle patient influx.

“Robotic Surgery at PGI: Why the new urology wing is a game-changer for North India” (Oct 12, 2025): Reporting on the acquisition of state-of-the-art medical technology and its impact on affordable healthcare.

“Shortage of life-saving drugs: Inside the supply chain crisis at government pharmacies” (Dec 5, 2025): An investigative piece on the logistical hurdles affecting chronic patients in the tri-city area.

2. Education & Institutional Governance

“Panjab University Senate Election: The battle for institutional autonomy” (Dec 18, 2025): In-depth coverage of the high-stakes internal elections and the friction between traditional governance and central reforms.

“Research funding dip: How PU’s science departments are navigating the 2025 budget cuts” (Nov 5, 2025): An analysis of the fiscal challenges facing researchers and the impact on India’s global academic ranking.

3. Art, Culture & Heritage

“Le Corbusier’s legacy in peril: The struggle to preserve Chandigarh’s Capitol Complex” (Dec 22, 2025): A feature on the conservation efforts and the tension between urban modernization and UNESCO heritage status.

“Chandigarh Art District: How street murals are reclaiming the city’s grey walls” (Oct 30, 2025): A cultural profile of the local artists transforming the aesthetic of the “City Beautiful.”

Signature Style
Parul is known for her empathetic lens, often centering her stories on the individuals affected by policy—whether it is a student navigating university red tape or a patient seeking care. She possesses a unique ability to translate dense administrative notifications into actionable information for the public. Her long-standing beat experience makes her a trusted source for “inside-track” developments within Chandigarh’s most guarded institutions.

X (Twitter): @parul_express … Read More