Traditionally, cosmetic and aesthetic treatments have been exclusively a female pursuit, but the modern man has ‘upped’ his game to invest in his appearance.

This is partly because the stigma associated with treatments has lowered, ironically in part because of the LGBTQ community, but largely because of the ubiquitous presence of social media, which has made people far more self-conscious about their image.

With so many consumed by their social media profiles and aiming for ‘influencer’ status to become somewhat of a celebrity, it is no surprise that more men are taking to beauty treatments.

Men also live and work much later in life than previous generations and feel a stronger need to invest in their vitality.

In this article, we will look at some of the most popular treatments for men and explain how they improve men’s appearance, but first, let’s look at the reasons why some men should indulge in treatments in the first place and why others should consider it – the cause might surprise you.

Why men are investing in their appearance (rightly so)

It is no secret that some men put much greater effort into their appearance than others, and it doesn’t go unnoticed. We can all remember a time when a man who invests in his image walks into a room – he is instantly noticeable and somewhat magnetic. His presence is compelling and affirming. It screams accomplishment and nobility.

Men who invest in their appearance – the right way, are considered to be more goal-oriented, and emotionally intelligent, after all, it shows he is conscious of others’ perceptions of them. It also makes him more approachable. More than this, they are considered younger with more vitality, and sensitivity (in a good way) because image-conscious traits are associated with femininity.

This of course assumes that we are not talking about the vain, arrogant, toxic-masculinity types who illustrate an attitude of hyper-superiority, yet are overly sensitive about their appearance.

In short, men who invest in their appearance tend to earn more, be more persuasive, and attract more attention from women.

However, there are other reasons why aesthetic treatments for men are becoming more popular. Statistically, there is a global trend that men typically marry women who are on average four years younger than them. The age difference isn’t noticeable in your 20s or 30s, but as men approach their mid-40s, the difference starts to become noticeable.

With the pension age rising, people living longer, infidelity on the rise and the ubiquity of dating apps, men feel a great need to compete with the younger versions of themselves, and indeed younger males more generally. As such, aesthetic treatments are an attractive preventative measure against ageing.

Additionally, workloads are getting heavier and this takes its toll on the body, so aesthetic treatments for men provide a counterweight to manage signs of anti-ageing, especially as men are working much later in their careers and do not want to be overlooked when it comes to career progression and be replaced by younger models – quite literally.

The most popular treatments for men

The treatments available to men are the same as women, but some are applied in ways more suitable to men’s needs. The most common aesthetic treatments for men include the following.

Anti-wrinkle treatment – Dubbed ‘bro-tox’, men are engaged in muscle-relaxing injectables that restrict muscle movement, particularly in the forehead and brow frown lines, which are much more prominent and noticeable in men compared to women. Men’s foreheads are shaped differently from women’s, so their treatments typically require a higher dose and careful application.

Dermal Fillers for lines and folds – An alternative to muscle relaxants, dermal fillers are used to even out the skin, concealing visible signs of ageing. This tends to be applied in advanced signs of ageing in senior men.

Skin boosters – For earlier signs of ageing, men commonly use skin boosters to fade out fine lines and wrinkles. Skin boosters use natural compounds that naturally improve skin quality over time by providing it with the molecules it needs to rejuvenate itself.

Jawline contouring – This treatment involves using injectable fillers such as hyaluronic acid to alter the shape of the jaw by making it wider and more square-shaped, which is associated with greater masculinity. This treatment is often accompanied by an injectable chin filler that balances the appearance of the refined jawline. This treatment is so effective that it is often used by ‘trans-men’ for convincing masculinity.

The treatment can be applied with both needles and a cannula to minimise bruising and ensure precision targeting.

Midface Volumisation – This treatment also involves applying injectable fillers and adding volume to faces that perhaps lack definition or have lost volume because of age. It is commonly used to create the appearance of cheekbones and to address any hollowness under the eyes without a tear trough filler.

Cryolipolysis – Also known as ‘Coolsculpting’, this treatment utilises technology to freeze pockets of fat around the abdomen and flank to create a leaner, and more attractive physique.

_________________________________________________________________________

Must read: Biological Age v Chronological Age, What’s The Difference?

_________________________________________________________________________

Less common treatments among men, but also growing in popularity are the following.

Microneedling – Men often neglect their skin generally so microneedling, which involves making hundreds of tiny punctures in the skin to trigger the body’s natural healing response, is a great way to replenish the dermis with newer, younger skin. Men who use this treatment tend to stand out as the improvements in skin quality are noticeable when compared to men who do not proactively care for their skin.

Chemical peels – This treatment involves dissolving the outer layer of skin using a mild acid, exposing a younger, fresher layer of skin that is free from imperfections. As with microneedling, chemical peels leave men with a radiant glow that makes a man distinguishable from other men.

Final thoughts

Rather than dismiss aesthetic treatments, some men embrace them and those men stand out. They are perceived as more attractive, intelligent, and successful. After all, it shows attention to detail, and higher standards, and only men with sufficient funds can afford to commit the time and resources to maintain such a regime.

These procedures are growing in popularity, not least because men, who are competitive by nature, want to be perceived this way.

The stigma around beauty treatments for men is dropping and rightly so. Everyone should invest in their skin care no matter their age or gender. It is only a matter of time before it becomes commonplace. Until then, the relatively few men who are undergoing these procedures are reaping the benefits by distinguishing themselves elegantly.

Opulent Aesthetics caters for such men. Our lead clinician, Sadie, encourages male treatments and welcomes you to her professional studio in the heart of Purley, where you can expect the highest standard of care. Invest in your appearance today and you will thank yourself tomorrow and beyond. Click here to book an appointment with Sadie today.