From ‘bro-tox’ through to fat freezing, men are seeking cosmetic treatments in record numbers to find new partners, improve their job prospects or keep up with youthful wives.
But renowned Brisbane cosmetic doctor Linda Williams - an international trainer who will address clinicians in Melbourne next week on the topic of male rejuvenation – says we are at risk of losing the “male aesthetic” through incorrectly applied, or overuse of, cosmetic treatments.
“We’re experiencing a boom in men seeking treatments, but we need to ensure that they don’t walk awaywith an immobile appearances and feminine characteristics – like some male celebrities who have ‘raised eyebrows’ over their wrinkle injection use in recent years.
“A good injecting technique retains or enhances male characteristics; think George Clooney’s strong square jawline and low eyebrows.”
Dr Williams will co-host the Master Class on Male Aesthetics next week,outlining her approach to retaining masculinity while reducing signs of environmental damage, stress and ageing.
Dr William’s Artisan Cosmetic and Rejuvenation Clinic in Fortitude Valley has been treating men for 12 years, but its male client base has grown by 31% since 2008.
“Many are in their 40’s and reentering the dating scene after divorce; but most are married men with wives who have taken care of their skin and are ageing well – and the blokes want to keep up,” Dr Williams said.
Dr Williams recently attended the 2013 Asia-Pacific Medical Aesthetics Congress in Manila, which gathered the world’s leading clinicians together, to share the latest injectable approaches to facial aesthetics.
“The central theme was the ‘natural look’; achieving a ‘balance’ between what we can do, and what we should do – it’s the next evolution in cosmetic medicine,” Dr Williams said.
According to a 2012 study by economists Jeff Borland and Andrew Leigh, men with ‘above average’ looks earn 22 per cent more than ‘average’ looking men.
“Guys are using wrinkle injections to remove ‘grumpy old man’ stress lines, create a more healthy appearance and even stop excessive sweating that can cause embarrassment at work,” Dr Williams said.
After decades of using nothing more than the occasional slap of aftershave balm, 40-something Brisbane dad Graham Johnston started Botox, IPL and enzyme skin therapy last year.
“There’s less stigma around men looking after themselves now,” Mr Johnston said.
Male rejuvenation before and after
