Men Are Different
BY RACHEL HERSCHENFELD, M.D. - DERMATOLOGIST
Newsflash: Men are just as concerned about their appearance as women, and I have been removing growths and treating male patients for years. However, they're now expressing cosmetic concerns more frequently.
Most men, like women, want to appear younger and more attractive; some want to please a spouse or significant other, while others want to appear less angry or anxious. As a result, the same minimally invasive treatment options for dry skin, skin discoloration and wrinkles that have gained popularity among women are being adopted by men to achieve their aesthetic aims.
Although I use the same treatments, techniques and goals are different. For example, men can benefit from skin care regimens which include effective anti-aging ingredients, but they're usually not interested in time-consuming regimens or highly fragranced products. For dry skin, or for mixing with an anti-aging retinoid, such as RetinA, I recommend fragrance-free moisturizers such as Cerave or Aveeno Eczema Care with sunscreen. AquaGlycolic, a good glycolic acid containing fragrance-free moisturizer, is another option. Usually, that is all I recommend for my male patients.
But in addition to skin-care routines, men are asking for Botox to improve the appearance of their frown lines. Most require higher doses than women, and injections must be placed carefully to maintain the masculine appearance of the eyebrows. Botox is also a very effective treatment for hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating. Women are bothered by excessive sweating because dampness limits their choice of clothing; for men, there is often the additional issue of body odor, which Botox treatments can improve.
Hyaluronic acid and other fillers are becoming much more popular among men, too. Part of this change is driven by the fact that newer fillers last longer and appear more natural than in the past. Most men are not interested in frequent maintenance treatments, so they prefer products such as Juvederm and Perlane, which can last for 6 to 12 months. Other long-lasting filler options include Radiesse, Artefill and Evolence (which is not yet available in the United States). Filler techniques have evolved to include restoring facial volume, not simply filling in lines. This means that in addition to the ability to improve creases around the mouth, the chin and the lips, fillers can now be used to restore hollow-looking eyes and cheeks to provide a more youthful overall facial appearance.
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