Special Report: More men than ever are going under the knife for cosmetic procedures

More men are going under the knife for cosmetic procedures. 

After Landon Pringle's asthma medication caused him to gain weight, he started working out every day.

"I couldn't get rid of it no matter what I did." So Landon went to see Dr. Lorelei Grunwaldt, a board-certified plastic surgeon, who discovered that he had gynecomastia.

After removing stubborn fat that Landon couldn't lose with diet and exercise alone, Doctor Grunwaldt says the confidence it gave him led to even better results.

"We did that first procedure and then he was really motivated. he felt great. he felt more confident and better in hi sown body to go out to the gym and be able to lift weight and exercise," said Dr. Grunwaldt. 

Landon's not alone. Dr. Grunwaldt says there's been an increase in recent years of men exploring their options for cosmetic procedures. 

"As guys talk to each other and realize this is something they can do, then they come in and ask about it."

New statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reveals that more than 1.3 million cosmetic procedures were performed on men last year.

Body contouring procedures in men like liposuction and tummy tucks have seen a boost in popularity over the past 5 years while male breast reductions have increased by about 30%.

"Why is this so popular? I think you're seeing the taboo is gone. It's de-stigmatized."

While many younger men are looking to enhance their bodies, older men are turning to minimally-invasive procedures for a more youthful look. That's up 99% among men since 2000.

For some, it's to remain competitive in the workplace while others just want to feel better about who they see in the mirror. 

"Some people call it the 'executive edge' but I think people are just wanting to look how they feel." 

For Landon, it was about kickstarting his journey to feel more like himself every day.

"I never would have been able to get to this point without surgery. There's no chance I would be able to be 204 pounds."

Experts say it's important to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to choose the right procedure for you and to ensure the highest quality and safety standards.

To find a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area, click here.