More Men Are Having Injectables Than Ever Before…

As the stigma around injectables fades, the number of men having ‘tweakments’ like Botox is rising. “In our clinics, men now represent around 30% of patients” says Dr David Jack, an aesthetic doctor and trained plastic surgeon with clinics in Edinburgh, the Cotswolds and across London (including one in the City, which he opened to meet local demand from men). “The change over the last few years has been both an increase in volume and a shift in intent with more men coming in earlier, choosing preventative or maintenance treatments rather than waiting until changes feel advanced. I also see men arriving with clearer objectives and a better understanding of options, which tends to translate into more structured treatment planning.” At his aesthetics clinic in Knightsbridge, Dr Wassim Taktouk has also seen a steady increase in the number of male patients over the last two years. “They are calling, contacting and booking themselves rather than via the original route, which was accompanying their partner’s appointments and hijacking the consultation!”

The Goal Is Looking Rested & Healthier…

“Men are looking for different anti-ageing results from women.” says David. “Typically, they want outcomes that are rested and healthier looking, without visible signs of treatment. They tend to be less tolerant of changes that alter facial character, particularly around the brow and jaw. Men more commonly focus on reducing a tired or stern appearance (for example, frown lines, heaviness around the eyes and early jowl changes related to jawline regression) and improving overall skin quality (redness, texture, enlarged pores, sun damage etc). Both doctors see men seeking out regenerative treatments such as polynucleotides “for results that don’t volumise or alter your features, but rather make you look fresher, and that you take care of yourself,” says Wassim.

You Should Find A Doctor Who Understands The Male Facial Anatomy…

There are important differences in how men’s and women’s muscles work. According to David, “Male facial muscles are often stronger and bulkier, which can influence dosing of the injectable, but the more significant point is preserving a natural masculine shape. For example, when treating the forehead, I’m cautious about over-relaxation because men are more prone to brow heaviness if the frontalis is treated too aggressively, but it is also important to avoid the ‘peaking’ of the brows that can come from undertreatment.” Being exact with dosing is key, says Wassim, who suggests keeping it very light, focusing more on “softening the vertical lines between the brows and the horizontal lines across the forehead, while retaining some natural-looking movement.”

Botox Can Be Used In Different Ways Around The Face…

It’s worth consulting a doctor who takes a full-face approach that looks beyond the forehead. As David explains, “Around the eyes, placement and dosing are adjusted to soften lines while maintaining expression and avoiding an over-lifted appearance. And in the lower face, masseter treatment is more common in men due to clenching and facial width, but it must be planned to avoid unwanted narrowing of the jaw.”

Getting Your Skincare Right First Is Important…

“Healthier skin responds better to treatments, has shorter downtimes from procedures, and will protect the investment of the injectable,” says Wassim. David agrees, adding that consistency is key. “I advise men to focus on four fundamentals: a good antioxidant cleanser; a serum for the morning containing antioxidants; followed by an SPF 50+ moisturiser every day (this is the single most effective anti-ageing step); and a retinoid at night introduced gradually to improve texture, breakouts and long-term collagen support.” The retinoid, he adds, is key to help results last longer through protection and stimulation of collagen, which helps your skin to stay smooth and strong. If you can bear to add another step, Wassim suggests, “Anti-wrinkle injections will benefit from neuropeptide inspired serums like P-Tiox from SkinCeuticals. It reduces constriction lines and is extremely popular with my male patients.” 

And Some Advice If You’re Nervous…

Firstly, says Wassim, you might want to work yourself up to injectables. “Start with some skincare while you’re debating treatments. Then maybe look at your skin quality with lasers or microneedling (book them for a Friday, so you have the weekend for downtime). He also always recommends that first-timers book two appointments, two weeks apart, “letting the injector use small doses and, if needed, more can be added at the second appointment”. Also, he says, “Have a good look at your injector’s face. If they look ‘done’ to you, they might not be the right person for the job, as that look may be what they perceive to be a normal or satisfactory result.”

Visit DrDavidJack.com & DrWassimTaktouk.com