CHICAGO — For the first time in several years, cosmetic surgery has declined among men, a recent survey reports.

According to results of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery’s annual Procedural Survey, there was a two percent decrease in the number of male patients of cosmetic surgeons in 2008. On the other hand, 29 percent more females visited a cosmetic surgeon during the year.

Medical NewsToday quotes AACS President Patrick McMenamin, M.D., as saying, “For the time being, males and females are beginning to separate themselves in regards to cosmetic surgery. It used to be that the yearly percentage gain in males was matching that of the women, but now women are choosing to invest in themselves while men have reduced the desire to have cosmetic surgery. The economy, of course, plays a role in the scaling back of cosmetic procedures, but the advancement and effectiveness of less-invasive procedures has also boosted the industry for women.”