Aloma Isaac Junior, a Nigerian comedian popularly known as Zicsaloma, recently underwent rhinoplasty. This intervention exposed deep-rooted biases about masculinity, beauty, and body autonomy in Africa. Instead of curiosity or support, his decision was met with mockery, outrage, and accusations of self-hate.

This backlash reveals a cultural blind spot. Plastic surgery is often seen as an indulgence for women, while men are expected to accept their looks as they are. Medical advancements have made procedures safer and more accessible. Shouldn’t the conversation around male aesthetic surgery evolve too?

The irony of this stigma is that body modification has been practiced for centuries by Africans. There have been scarifications, tribal markings, and cosmetic dentistry, among many others, which have long been part of African heritage. These modifications were often symbols of identity, status, and beauty, yet modern plastic surgery is viewed as unnatural or excessive.

The difference? Perception. Traditional practices were sanctioned culturally, while Western-influenced cosmetic procedures are seen as rejecting one’s natural self. But is there truly a difference between choosing tribal markings or a lip plate for identity and choosing surgery for confidence? Both are personal choices rooted in self-expression.

The rest of the world is embracing male plastic surgery while Africa resists. According to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) Global Survey 2023, the top five cosmetic procedures for men worldwide are eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), gynecomastia surgery (male breast reduction), liposuction, rhinoplasty, and facial fat grafting.

In South Korea, cosmetic surgery is prevalent among young men, with procedures such as rhinoplasty and eyelid surgery being particularly common. A survey conducted in 2020 revealed that approximately 10 percent of South Korean respondents had undergone plastic surgery. The male respondents were more likely to undergo surgery for medical reasons, even though the majority were for cosmetic purposes.

Plastic surgery is not just about vanity. Many procedures have functional and psychological benefits. Rhinoplasty isn’t only cosmetic—it can correct breathing difficulties caused by a deviated septum. Liposuction and body contouring can help men struggling with obesity-related self-esteem issues. Gynecomastia surgery helps men suffering from hormonal imbalances and body dysmorphia.

Dr. Andrew Jacono, a leading facial plastic surgeon, explains that for many patients, “plastic surgery is less about looking perfect and more about feeling comfortable in your own skin.” Psychological studies show that correcting a long-standing insecurity through surgery can significantly reduce anxiety and depression.

If African men are encouraged to work out, groom themselves, and dress well for confidence, then why is cosmetic surgery—another form of self-care—viewed so differently?

Women who undergo plastic surgery often face judgment, but there is at least a general acceptance that beauty pressures exist for women. Men, however, are expected to be completely indifferent about how they look physically. This double standard is particularly strong in Africa, where rigid gender roles dictate that men should not concern themselves with aesthetics beyond fitness. But modern masculinity is evolving. More men are embracing grooming, skincare, and self-care, and plastic surgery is simply an extension of that.

Zicsaloma’s experience is an opportunity to challenge outdated narratives. Plastic surgery is not about weakness but about personal agency. If a man can go to the gym to sculpt his body, he should have the same freedom to refine his features without societal ridicule. The main issue here is not just plastic surgery—it is the fundamental right to make choices about one’s own body without ridicule or shame.

It is time for a cultural shift in how we view plastic surgery. Medical advancements have made procedures safer, more effective, and accessible, and personal decisions about appearance should be respected, not ridiculed.

For a long time, Africa has celebrated self-expression through body modification, and modern cosmetic surgery is simply a new chapter in that history. No one should be shamed for taking autonomy over their own body and image, whether for medical reasons, self-confidence, or just the desire to look a certain way.

There is a lack of comprehensive data on male cosmetic procedures in Africa, which highlights the need for more research and open dialogue. Effectively addressing these issues requires an open mind and a cultural shift toward accepting personal choices in appearance and recognizing the numerous benefits that such procedures can bring.

To conclude, as global acceptance of male plastic surgery rises, it is imperative for African societies to reevaluate their perspectives. Accepting individual autonomy in aesthetic decisions can lead to improved mental health outcomes and a more inclusive understanding of masculinity. Beauty knows no gender.

Shirley Sarah Dadson is a medical student in Ghana.