5 Most Popular Aesthetic Treatments for Men
Historically, most cosmetic dermatology products and advertisements were aimed at women. Today, while women still make up the majority of this market demographic, more and more men are beginning to seek aesthetic treatments as society shakes off its stigma against male grooming. Indeed, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons claims that between 2011 and 2015, there was a 53% increase in cosmetic treatments for men. This trend seems poised to continue.
But what kinds of cosmetic work are men getting done? As it turns out, the answer isn’t all that different for men and women. Generally speaking, people, regardless of sex, want to reduce signs of aging, get rid of stubborn fat, enhance their skin’s overall appearance, and maintain control over their hair’s growth (or lack thereof). With that in mind, let’s explore the 5 most popular aesthetic treatments for men.
1. Botox® and Dermal Fillers
While Botox and dermal fillers refer to two distinct types of treatments, they’re both designed to reduce facial wrinkles and lines and increase the skin’s volume to make it appear more youthful. The former, Botox, is perhaps the most well-known wrinkle reduction method. The name is a shorthand for botulinum toxin, a substance that, in small doses, temporarily paralyzes targeted nerve cells. After about 3-6 months of receiving botox injection treatment, most men see fewer wrinkles around the injected areas.
Dermal fillers, on the other hand, contain hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance that provides hydration and support to one’s skin. After proper administration (via injection), dermal fillers can add volume to the skin and reduce wrinkles for 6-12 months before needing another treatment.
2. Hair Restoration
Both men and women can experience hair loss during their lifetimes, but men are at greater risk of losing their locks. The main culprit here is male pattern hair loss, a condition that affects about 8 in 10 men by the time they reach the age of 50. It’s no surprise, then, that hair restoration makes the list of popular aesthetic treatments for men. In recent years, hair restoration methods have improved greatly. Today, the most common treatments include PRP (platelet-rich plasma) hair restoration, FUT (follicular unit transplant), FUSS (follicular unit strip surgery) Minoxidil (Rogaine), and Finasteride (Propecia). The best method and/or medication depends on the patient in question, and results vary from person to person.
3. Microdermabrasion
As more men begin to care for their skin and its appearance, microdermabrasion and other skin rejuvenation techniques are growing in popularity. This process essentially “sands” the face gently with abrasive materials in order to stimulate the growth of new skin cells. When performed by an experienced professional, microdermabrasion can reduce wrinkles, age spots, and scars, enhance one’s complexion, mitigate acne, and more.
4. Coolsculpting® and Liposuction
Both women and men can suffer from stubborn fat, especially as they get older. This type of fat can’t be easily removed by the typical means (i.e. diet and exercise) and tends to build up underneath the jawline and chin and around the abdomen and thighs. When all else fails, liposuction and cryolipolysis (better known as Coolsculpting) may provide a solution. Liposuction has been around longer than Coolsculpting and has proven effective at removing stubborn fat from patients. However, liposuction is an invasive treatment and may yield several side effects, such as discoloration, fluid accumulation, internal wounds, and more.
Coolsculpting is becoming a more sought-after choice for many men because it is non-invasive, less risky, and provides results faster than liposuction. Still, both fat-loss methods are popular among men today, and they’re great for reducing double-chins and/or slimming down one’s figure.
5. Laser Therapies
Lasers have become incredibly useful tools in every cosmetic dermatologist’s arsenal. Depending on the type and strength of the device, lasers can treat skin in several ways. Most people have heard of laser tattoo removal, but laser therapies go far beyond this function. For instance, men might seek intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment to reduce visible sun damage or aging signs. Laser skin resurfacing is another option, designed to remove wrinkles and fine lines. And ablative or fractional laser treatments can even out skin pigmentation, eliminate broken blood vessels, and more.
The realm of cosmetic dermatology is no longer strictly populated by women. It is now widely accepted and encouraged for men to keep up their skin’s appearance and health. At Premier Dermatology Partners, we’re happy to help both women and men on their journey to achieving better skin. To learn more about our providers and all the services we offer, contact us today.