By Doctor Stephane Auroy
Trends and routines
The aim of this article is to summarise men’s aesthetic demands in 2019. The question we must ask is: are there any emerging trends or any treatments that have become conventional? Is male aesthetics a trend in itself? Have the demands and methods changed considerably? Might men represent the future of the aesthetics market?
We need to concentrate on offering natural-looking results and having the good sense to recommend the simplest option first, like exercising, instead of immediately turning to the ever-increasing number of new devices, which promise patients the physique of their dreams without any effort!
Asking a sports coach for advice can help us make the right decision.
Of all the techniques mentioned below, it is clear to see that they do not all reap the same results in men, and some quickly become synonymous with disappointment if they are too complicated to perform, require too much downtime, or off er mediocre or short-term results.
We need to understand that men’s aesthetic requirements are less spontaneous, systematic and schematic than women’s.
They tend to start with a specific demand focusing on a specific issue, and can then lead to a more generalised demand.
Preserve or get great skin
This is vital in my opinion, as a dermatologist.
First of all, since men do not generally use suitable cosmetic products, we need to educate them about what is available. After we have done that, we can then turn to a number of dermatological medical treatments; but, in my opinion, the most recent, innovative, effective, fast, reproducible, downtime-free treatment…in short the one with ideal specifications, is the family of Pico lasers! They are wonderful for regenerating the skin, providing you master all the treatment’s “tricks”.
This treatment is becoming ever more popular and provides full satisfaction, but with just one hitch: it does not treat rosacea.
Do injectables (fillers) have a role to play?
Yes, in athletes whose face looks tired: they can look fresher while continuing to do their chosen sport. For this indication, we recommend hyaluronic acid or tissue inducers.
Yes, if they are used to sculpt the face: to make the jaw more square-shaped or more prominent, and to treat under-eye shadows and hollow temples. Sculpting the face is great, but we must preserve its angles to avoid making it look too feminine!
Be careful with the lips and nasolabial folds, which are physiological in men. But, let’s be honest: we cannot create something that nature has not given us: if you are not blessed with a good bone structure from the outset, you cannot expect miracles!
Botulinum toxin
Yes, for pronounced glabella lines.
Yes, for excessive underarm sweating. Use with caution on the forehead and corner of the eyes: some wrinkles can make a man look distinguished.
The hands
The ultimate social tool, your hands can give away your true age! Erasing marks is a popular demand from age fifty, rather than filling.
Surgery
Hair transplants, blepharoplasty and mini-liposuction are the top three surgical procedures requested.
The famous medical cervicofacial lift
The demand for lower-face medical rejuvenation – an outpatient procedure with no risk of scarring that is performed using high-intensity focused ultrasounds – is constantly on the rise. A way of sculpting and refining the face, this treatment provides great results providing you do not leave it too late. Use only approved and certified machines that are backed up by studies (MERZ ULTHERAPY), as there are a great many counterfeit devices in this field.
Permanent hair removal
Laser hair removal is becoming more and more popular among men.
The beard, armpits, chest, groin, buttocks and back are all popular areas, even though a significant number of sessions may be required.
Penis augmentation: a promising new trend?
We can now increase a penis’ volume using hyaluronic acid. Ever since this subject hit the headlines, more and more men want to have it done.
However, the technique must be perfectly mastered! The doctor must be well aware of the methods and their limitations. Men are more concerned about the size of their penis than about having a great bum! And they are keen to do something about it, especially if the procedure can be carried out in outpatient surgery, causes no scars and can be reversed. A consultation before the operation is essential.
Body shape
In my opinion, the best treatment is cryolipolysis for localised fat stores, as they will be reduced or will disappear after two sessions. The best area to treat? The love handles! But, this must be done as part of an overall care plan.
We cannot shape the body using machines alone (radiofrequency, ultrasounds, Yag lasers, or the most recent revelation, High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic Field). Don’t be duped by the photos you see in magazines!
Anyone who does not do any sport should first adopt a healthy diet and take up regular exercise.
Exercise is unavoidable if you want to change your body shape.
Machines can be used as a complement to exercise, but they are often promoted as a stand-alone method.
When the basic principles of diet and exercise are respected, machines often become ancillary!
Physical exercise is a highly beneficial way of fighting stress at work. Furthermore, men are much less bothered about having crinkles in their skin, which renders many techniques useless.
It is unlikely that men alone represent the future of the aesthetic market, unless they embark on a quest for perfection, like women.
As a general rule, men turn to aesthetics to reassure themselves in their quest for socio-professional performance, which has become a must in the 21st century.
Doctor Stephane Auroy
Specialist in dermatology and venereology. Master of Advanced Studies in skin biology and pharmacology. Former consultant for the Paris Hospitals, specialising in aesthetic dermatology for the last 20 years. Tutor at the Paris V faculty, teaching the university diploma in “Evaluation and control of injection and volume-enhancing techniques”. Speaker at aesthetics conferences. Runs training courses in injection techniques and investigates clinical study protocols.
Instagram: @docteur_stephane_auroy
