It Pays to Look Good

It’s no secret – good looking men get more of the sex, money, and success than the rest of us mere mortals. Whether it’s in sports (Tom Brady, David Beckham), business (Richard Branson, Kevin Plank) or the entertainment industry (George Clooney, Paul Walker) being attractive can give men an advantage. Now more men want to improve their appearance and manage how they are aging. These days’ men are more likely to use cosmeceutical products (ladies that’s where your beauty products are going) and are availing themselves of both surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation procedures.

The Proof is in the Stats

Since 1997 there has been a 273% increase in the number of aesthetic procedures done on men. Over the last five years, there have been significant increases in the number of surgical procedures, blepharoplasty (up 34%), male breast reduction (up 33%) and facelifts (up 44%). Non-surgical procedures are up as well, neuromodulators – the botulinum toxins (up 84%), hyaluronic acid fillers (up 94%), skin tightening (up 37%) and intense pulsed light photorejuvenation (up 44%).

Differences in the Male and Female Aesthetic

There are significant differences in the skin, facial muscles, bony skeleton and soft tissues of men compared to women. Male skin has more hair and is thicker, and the muscles of facial expression are larger in men.  This means for differences in the propensity for acne and folliculitis and special men’s skin care products address these differences.  The shape of the male brow is more horizontal and often the forehead of males is larger, but the potential for brow ptosis (the caveman look) requires careful placement of neuromodulators. The dosing of neuromodulators (the botulinum toxins) is often greater (up to 2 fold), and thus, these treatments are more expensive for men. (Sorry guys)

Men actually have less soft tissue in the face giving a more angular appearance when they are young but showing earlier signs of aging when deflation and descent of the soft tissues occur as they age. Facial volumizers including hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxyapatite, PLLA (poly-l-lactic acid) and PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate) can provide options for replacement of lost facial volume. Polydioxanone resorbable sutures are another option to reinflate and suspend sagging tissues that cause flattening and folds that age the male face.

What Are Your Options?

So if you’re in your 20s and 30s, you can take care of the skin you have by preventing skin damage. Daily use of sunscreens can minimize photodamage that makes skin look old and weathered. Regular use of neuromodulators (the botulinum toxins) can relax muscles and manage wrinkles. Topical retinoids and growth factor containing products can keep your skin looking youthful and fresh. As you age into your 40s and 50s, facial volumizers can replace lost facial volume and help maintain youthful contours and minimize shadows that make one look older prematurely. If there is already significant skin photodamage, corrective treatments such as IPL (intense pulse light) and fractional resurfacing procedures can undo a lot of skin damage. For some, surgical options combined with the above treatments offer the best results for facial rejuvenation. So, men, you have options! Schedule a consultation and get with a program to manage how you age.

Dr. Horton is the medical director of MD Age Management and is a board certified physician specializing in anti-aging and aesthetic medicine.

Board Certification ABFM