Redefining Masculinity

The Surging Trend of Male Cosmetic Treatments

In a world where societal norms are continuously evolving, the once rigid boundaries of traditional masculinity are undergoing a profound transformation. The male grooming and cosmetics industry is witnessing an unprecedented surge, challenging long-held beauty standards and redefining what masculinity looks like in the modern age. In this blog, we delve into the rising trend of male cosmetic treatments, speaking to Specialist Plastic surgeon Dr Scott J Turner, Registered Cosmetic Nurse’s Ashleigh Hasson and Janelle Black, as well as one of our Dermal Therapists Roxie Robb.

Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Scott Turner, on male cosmetic surgery.

For generations, the concept of masculinity was often closely associated with stoicism, ruggedness, and a ‘no-nonsense’ approach to appearance. However, as societal perceptions evolved and conversations around gender equality and self-expression gained momentum, so did the definition of masculinity.

Men, just like women, began to recognise the importance of self-care and grooming as essential components of overall well-being. With this realisation, the doors to the world of cosmetics and aesthetic treatments swung wide open, welcoming men from all backgrounds and lifestyles.

With recent advancements in technology and surgical techniques, surgical procedures can now be completely individualised which men are increasingly interested in. In the past year, within our clinic alone, we have seen a huge increase in males requesting face and body changes. Due to the nature of men’s work and hobby’s, we often see major sun damage on the face which can take a toll on confidence and self-esteem, many opting for Upper Facelifts or Face Plus’s Signature Facelift Procedure’s and Package’s which are completely individualised to suit your needs and wants. We have noticed the same trend in body surgery for males, surgeries like Gynaecomastia (removal of ‘man-boobs’) have been increasingly popular over the past 5 years with minimal scarring techniques becoming more well-known.

Men are redefining the notion of “ageing gracefully.” Instead of embracing the traditional signs of ageing, they are choosing to address concerns like fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin to maintain a youthful appearance while preserving their individual masculinity.

Registered, Cosmetic Nurses Ashleigh Hasson and Janelle Black, on males in the cosmetic industry.

The use of anti-wrinkle injections (neurotoxin) among men is on the rise. It’s no longer considered exclusively a female cosmetic procedure. Men are increasingly turning to neurotoxin to address various aesthetic concerns.

Neurotoxin offers a non-surgical approach to cosmetic enhancement, making it an attractive option for men who want to improve their appearance without going under the knife.

Neurotoxin is highly effective in reducing wrinkles, particularly in areas like the forehead to address horizontal lines (think: surprised), crow’s feet (the lines around our eyes when we smile or squint), and frown lines (the vertical lines between our eyebrows when we become angry/concerned).

Anti-wrinkle injections are used as a tool to temporarily block the nerve signals to the treated muscles. During this time the muscle contraction is relaxed, and the overlying skin smooths out, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Neurotoxin is not permanent, after 3-4 months the nerve signals gradually regain their strength and muscle function returns. Repeat treatments are needed to maintain the results.

When administered by a skilled and experienced practitioner, neurotoxin provides natural-looking results, enhancing facial features while maintaining a masculine appearance, if this is what the client wants.

It is important to highlight that treating men, is completely different than treating women. Males naturally have larger muscles throughout their entire body, including their facial muscles, these are some of the most distinguishing factors among males’ features. Many patients wish to keep this masculine look, which is why it is so critical to choose a cosmetic nurse who is experienced in treating male faces.

When considering cosmetic procedures, it is important to choose a health care provider who is experienced in treating men and administering anti-wrinkle injections. Research your clinic of choice and ensure that they have a medical team with a track record of safe and effective results. Book a consultation, check patient reviews and ask for before and after images.

Dermal Therapist Roxie Robb, on male skincare and treatments.

We’ve noticed an increase in our male cliental as of late, which we love and we welcome, dermal treatments aren’t just for women. Men experience the same issues as women, sadly they aren’t immune to ageing or the odd breakout either.

Men’s skin typically tends to be a bit oiler than women’s so can be a bit thicker, more sensitised and have larger pores which tend to become clogged up. This can present in different forms, think blackheads and the dreaded whiteheads/pimples with a side of angry red skin.

Obviously, no two men are the same which is why we would always advise that you come in for a consult where we can assess your skin and prescribe a treatment plan and homecare routine for you.

We have a variety of treatment options which we tailor to your individual concerns. Some of these include, micro-needling for acne scarring, fine lines and pore size, signature enzyme treatments for those experiencing redness and sensitivity, and laser treatments to target pigment and pesky capillaries.

Men’s skin requires different products and techniques to achieve the desired results. For example, treatments should account for beard growth patterns, and skincare routines may need to incorporate products designed for thicker, oilier skin. Understanding these distinctions is not only essential for achieving optimal outcomes but also for ensuring that men feel comfortable and confident in their skincare journey. This is something we pride ourselves on at Face Plus Medispa.

Ultimately, the rise of skin treatments for males signifies a positive shift toward inclusivity and the acknowledgment that everyone deserves access to personalised, gender-specific skincare solutions that enhance their natural beauty and self-confidence.

Conclusion

The rise in male cosmetic treatments is not just about altering appearances; it’s a transformative shift in how society perceives beauty and masculinity. Traditional notions of masculinity, which once discouraged discussions around self-care, are evolving into a more inclusive and empathetic definition—one that acknowledges that men, too, have unique beauty concerns and aspirations. This seismic shift challenges conventional stereotypes and redefines what it means to look and feel one’s best.