Men, it seems, are buying a new face to be more confident.

'If you feel insecure about the way you look, it's hard to talk and present yourself confidently,' says financial planner Mark Khoo.

He is one of the 20 men whom Urban spoke to who would go under the knife, spending from $3,000 to $7,000 to look dandier.

Only three baulked at the thought of surgical nips and tucks.

'You could end up with a crooked nose,' accountant Jonathon Seah, 34, says.

For the most part, the men say that looking good will give them an edge in their careers and even with the opposite sex.

Bachelor Khoo, 33, who fits the bill, has been researching double eyelid surgery and chin implants for about six months. He plans to consult a surgeon soon.

Indeed, he is among the increasing numbers of men who are turning up at plastic surgeons' clinics for anything from Botox jabs to man-boob reductions.

Most of the 10 cosmetic specialists whom Urban spoke to report a 30 per cent jump in the number of male patients over the past year. The hike, they say, stems from the fact that men increasingly want to put their best face forward.

Chests, too.

Dr Andrew Khoo of Aesthetic and Reconstructive Centre at Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre says that the number of men who request correction of gynaecomastia - or a reduction of 'man boobs' - has doubled since 2006.

Eyelid surgery, however, is the No.1 request.

Men in their 20s want to enhance their looks with double eyelids. Those over 45, however, want to get rid of their eyebags.

Rhinoplasty, or alteration of nose shapes, is second. Other popular treatments include the correction of acne scarring and wrinkle reduction through injecting Botox.

Smiles are not neglected.

Dr Thean Tsin Piao of Aesthethe Smilestudio notes a spike in the number of men who are asking for teeth whitening and veneers compared to three years ago.

In fact, for some procedures, the male patients are getting younger.

Dermatologist Eileen Tan counts a 20 to 30 per cent jump in male patients in their late teens from five years ago. They are among those consulting her for oily skin and scalp.

'An oily scalp might lead to balding,' she says, adding that she also sees patients in their 50s for these woes.

Doctors such as Dr Andrew Tay of Pacific Healthcare Specialist Centre also note that non-invasive treatments such as Botox jabs for wrinkle reduction and correction of acne scarring have bumped up the number of their male patients.

When it comes to gender differences, surprise, surprise: Men come more prepared with the look they want, even showing pictures of the look they are going for, the doctors say.

But men can be more difficult customers, Dr Khoo adds.

'It's because they are so set on a particular look, it's hard to change their minds, despite the doctor's advice. Women, on the other hand, are more open to changes and are willing to explore other options.'

This article was first published in Urban, The Straits Times on Aug 15, 2008.