Men more open to cosmetic surgery

Men are three times more likely than women to say they might get plastic surgery. Photo / Thinkstock

Only one New Zealander in 10 would consider plastic surgery to fight the signs of ageing, a poll has found.

But among those who would, men are three times more likely than women to say they might.

The Herald-DigiPoll survey found only 8 per cent of respondents willing to have plastic surgery.

A further 3 per cent said they would - but only if someone else was paying.

There was a significant gender difference: almost 12 per cent of men said they would have surgery, but fewer than 4 per cent of women would.

Surgeon Dr Tristan de Chalain said men were just as sensitive about their appearance as women.

"It's exactly the same motivation - you have embarrassment about a particular feature ... and they want to compete with younger guys," he said.

"And often it's not unusual for wives to send their men to have something done."

Gynaecomastia - the male boob job - was particularly popular.

"Basically, men - particularly as they get older but even when young - develop a female-like breast. It's very easily treated."

People went through long consultations - it was not a snap decision - and most came out feeling they had received a new lease on life, Dr de Chalain said.

Psychologist Karen Nimmo said it was a surprising result given the greater insecurities among women about their appearance.

The poll also showed a sharp divide by age: 19 per cent of those from 40-54 would consider surgery, but nobody aged 55-69 said they would.