Tweakments for men: Dr Saira Vasdev on fantastic treatments for men

Our amazingly talented Medical Director, Dr Saira Vasdev was recently asked questions about ‘male grooming’ by a men’s mag. And we thought we’d share.

have you noticed a shift in what men are asking for? What surgical/invasive treatments are most men going for? 

The industry has witnessed a steady decline in cosmetic surgery + invasive procedures and a growing trend towards cosmetic “tweakments” which can be swiftly performed during a lunchtime break at your local doctor’s office.  Men are seeking out non-surgical alternatives to surgery which deliver high impact with little to no downtime. Men are preferring to opt for treatments that offer a subtly refreshed look which allow them to return to work and social engagements with immediate effect.  

Surgical procedures which remain popular include discreet facelift procedures which can be performed under local anaesthetic, liposuction around the chest wall and abdomen (“man boobs” and “love-handles”).

The most popular non-surgical procedures include Botox® to minimise expression lines and promote a well-rested appearance.  Dermal fillers are popular for creating a stronger and more defined facial profile, banishing eye bags and improving overall face shape + dimensions.  

For example a sprinkle of quality filler in the tear trough hollows can instantly refresh tired eyes. Lower facial sculpting can add structure and shape around the chin and jawline, creating a more masculine appearance.  Nose reshaping, commonly known as the non-surgical rhinoplasty, is a revolutionary alternative to the traditional surgical nose job. Micro-injections of dermal filler can smooth out bumps and irregularities to improve the nasal contours and create a more defined profile - all in about 15 minutes.  Hair restoration is another area that is highly popular amongst men.

what do you think is the paradigm of male beauty in 2019? How do men want to look? Who do they want to look like?

With Instagram making beach holidays and gym selfies an all year round feature, the cosmetic industry has seen a rise in fat loss and body contouring treatments.  Coolsculpting is a popular fat-freezing technology that enhances body shape by melting away stubborn fat without surgery. The EMSculpt uses high-intensity focused electromagnetic energy to simultaneously build muscle and burn fat, so you can train your abdominals and glutes like an athlete.

We live in a world of competition and social media acts as the highlight reel of our triumphs.  Modern men compete to secure the best in careers and relationships, and work hard to achieve the lifestyle that they aspire to.  Self-image and confidence is the key to success. The modern man wants to appear effortlessly attractive to those around him. Younger men are seeking cosmetic treatments to cultivate a more positive image.  To present the best versions of themselves to the world and to feel like a superhero whilst doing so.

-what are men most concerned about in your opinion? What bothers them most?

From experience, I have come to learn that men are less concerned about wrinkles and more concerned about more specific personal features that they believe have a negative impact on their appearance and downgrade their overall attractiveness.  For example, frown lines can translate into stress or anger, whereas smile lines can add character to a face. A lack of bone structure in the cheek, chin and jawline can be seen to be less masculine. Eye bags and dark circles send the message of chronic tiredness.  Thin lips and a receded chin can downgrade a man’s smile.  

have you adapted your offering to suit men? Have you had to cater to men in a more direct way?

In order to cater to a growing number of men seeking cosmetic treatments at Skin & Sanctuary, we have endeavoured to create an environment and ambiance which appeals to men as well as women.  The clinic has been designed to look and feel like a chic London apartment. Each room has its unique theme intended to inspire a sense of comfort and luxury whilst maintaining a clean and professional environment.  I think male clients truly enjoy their time with us, and the low key relaxed vibe works well to take the edge off any anxieties about undergoing aesthetic treatments.

do you find that men are less or more embarrassed about asking for things? Do they tend to be more direct or less?

Once a man has made the decision to book an appointment, it's usually relatively clear sailing from there.  Although men might not necessarily be clued up about the world of aesthetic treatments, they usually have very clear aesthetic goals.  If you can provide them with a clear and simple plan, and they trust in your advice, they are usually very comfortable with proceeding to the treatment stage.  

If you (or a friend) would like to find out more about the most up to date treatments for men (or women) then please drop us an email. Talking about all things skin is our passion.