"Appearance Is Also an Asset"... Why Middle-Aged Men in U.S. Big Tech Are Turning to Plastic Surgery

WSJ Reports on Trends Among IT Industry Workers
Facelifts, Neck Lifts, and Eyelid Surgeries Gain Popularity

Cosmetic procedures such as facelifts, neck lifts, and eyelid surgery are gaining popularity among middle-aged men working in the highly competitive U.S. Big Tech industry.

According to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on October 24 (local time), a plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, California, said that over the past five years, demand for plastic surgery among men in the IT industry has increased fivefold. Another plastic surgeon in San Francisco, an area densely populated with major IT companies, reported that the number of men seeking consultations for facelifts has risen by 25% compared to the pre-COVID-19 period. During the same period, consultations for eyelid surgery increased by as much as 50%.

"If you look old, you're treated as 'useless'"

Timothy Marten, a plastic surgeon in San Francisco, told the WSJ, "Traditionally, our society has put more pressure on women to look younger, but now both men and women feel the same way," adding, "This is especially true in Silicon Valley, where looking old means being treated as 'useless.'" In this region, men in their 30s typically opt for non-surgical treatments such as Botox and fillers. However, as they enter their 40s, men begin to choose surgical procedures such as 'mini facelifts,' which involve smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

WSJ analyzed that not only the industry's cutthroat environment but also the spread of remote and work-from-home arrangements during the COVID-19 pandemic have significantly contributed to the increased demand for cosmetic surgery. The ability to secure adequate recovery time thanks to remote work has made it easier for people to decide on complex procedures. There is also an analysis that frequent opportunities to see one's own face on camera during virtual meetings have led to a greater desire to improve appearance.

The increased use of obesity treatments is another factor. One plastic surgeon explained, "People whose facial skin has become somewhat loose due to rapid weight loss are seeking consultations for facelifts and other cosmetic surgeries."

Even simple procedures cost 15,000 dollars... up to 150,000 dollars

The relatively high income levels of industry professionals are also related to the increased demand for cosmetic surgery. Plastic surgeons interviewed by WSJ said they charge around 150,000 dollars (about 200 million won) for facelifts and neck lifts. Even relatively simple procedures like 'mini facelifts' start at a minimum of 15,000 dollars (about 20 million won), and eyelid surgery costs between 5,000 and 10,000 dollars (7 million to 14 million won).

A man in his late 50s who underwent blepharoplasty said, "Immediately after the surgery, I looked quite terrible, but about three weeks later, after the swelling subsided, I felt much more confident at work. I liked my new appearance," expressing his satisfaction.

Marten explained, "In the past, men were respected for their abilities regardless of appearance, but women needed to have both outstanding abilities and attractive looks. Now, men also think that managing their appearance is as important as their abilities."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.