Men are almost as likely as women to consider having cosmetic surgery, shattering the myth that cosmetic surgery is predominantly something that only women think about, according to a survey of 500 people by MyBreast Cosmetic Surgery (http://www.mybreast.org). Meanwhile, 50% of men that went under the knife did so believing it could help their career prospects.

A recent study carried out on behalf of cosmetic surgery experts MyBreast has given an insight into who is most likely to consider having cosmetic surgery and the factors that help make up their mind. The survey shows that despite the fact that nine in 10 cosmetic procedures are currently performed on women (BAAPS), men are almost as likely to consider it (18% vs 22%).

However, one reason fewer men end up having cosmetic surgery could be down to women, as 20% of male respondents suggest their partners wouldn’t like them to have cosmetic surgery (compared to 13% of women). And while people aged 18-34 are the most likely to consider cosmetic surgery (27%) their relative lack of earning power is the main reason people don’t choose to pursue it, with 62% claiming the cost of cosmetic surgery is too high for them.

More shocking than the reasons people didn’t have cosmetic surgery was one reason why men did: 50% believed it could improve their career prospects. While 60% of women that had cosmetic surgery believed it would boost their confidence, none made a direct link with career advancement, revealing a significant difference between men and women’s reasons for having surgery.

Commenting on the results of the study, MyBreast have said: ‘A responsible surgeon would never advocate having cosmetic surgery to improve your career prospects, and this is why it’s essential your consultation is with a BAAPS or BAPRAS registered surgeon that can provide you with expert medical advice rather than a sales pitch. At MyBreast our first concern is always the patient’s wellbeing – only by respecting our patient’s best interests can you truly help someone achieve the greater self-confidence they desire.’