The aesthetic treatments men use most are botulinum toxin for upper-face wrinkles, hyaluronic acid fillers, IPL (intense pulsed light) for dark spots and imperfections, laser hair removal and double chin reduction with enzymes. The choice depends on the skin, which is thicker and oilier in men, and on their goals: subtle, natural results, with gradual changes.
Ten years ago, men visited aesthetic clinics only to go along with their partners. But times are changing. Men are now more open to exploring aesthetic treatments on their own initiative, not only to improve their appearance but also to feel more confident.
From skincare routines and facial rejuvenation procedures to body contouring, there's a wide range of options to help men achieve the look they want. That said, we know it's hard to choose an aesthetic treatment for men in an industry so focused on women.
That's why in this article we explain which aesthetic treatments there are for men, their benefits and what to consider before having one if it's your first time.
What aesthetic treatments are there for men?
Aesthetic treatments for men take into account the specific characteristics of men's skin, which is thicker and richer in collagen. In addition, they follow the male beauty standard: a straight nose and defined cheekbones and chin that reinforce a mature, attractive look.
While women tend to want to soften their skin, men want to define their contours. That's why the most popular aesthetic treatments for men fall into two categories: facial rejuvenation and body treatments.
Facial rejuvenation includes several non-surgical procedures to reduce expression lines and wrinkles, for a more youthful face. Body treatments, for their part, help the patient improve their body contour, as a complement to exercise and diet.
These are the aesthetic treatments for men that address facial rejuvenation:
Dermal fillers
Hyaluronic acid fillers are one of the most widely used treatments for rejuvenating the eye area and other parts of the face. They're used to restore hydration to the skin and also to fill wrinkles and expression lines that age the face.
It's a well-suited treatment for men, because after adolescence, as adulthood begins, the skin starts losing collagen. As a result, the eyes and lips become hollow, creating pronounced folds in the skin.
If you notice facial volume loss and want to rejuvenate your face with natural results, a dermal filler may be an option depending on your consultation. Its effects usually show a week after treatment and can last 12 to 15 months; results vary from patient to patient.
Botox, the most requested aesthetic treatment for men
Like hyaluronic acid fillers, Botox helps men soften facial wrinkles. Botulinum toxin gives natural results, with tolerable discomfort, in the upper third of the face, meaning the area between the brows, the forehead and crow's feet. That's why it's one of the aesthetic treatments men request most.
The effect is softened wrinkles, and it lasts around 6 months. After that, a touch-up is needed to maintain the effect in the area treated with Botox.
IPL for men's faces
Intense pulsed light is a non-invasive aesthetic treatment that uses pulses of light to reduce dark spots, fine lines and some imperfections. It's a popular procedure among men with acne marks, because it can help even out skin tone, with gradual changes session by session.
Pulsed light can also complement other aesthetic treatments, such as facials, to improve the look of the skin and give it a healthy appearance. In general, one to three sessions are usually needed, and the skin's appearance improves gradually.
These are the aesthetic treatments for men who want to rejuvenate their face. When it comes to body procedures for men, there are the following:
Laser hair removal for men
Body hair is often seen as a sign of masculinity, but that belief is slowly changing. Laser hair removal is well suited to men with a lot of hair on the underarms or chest, because it reduces hair progressively, session by session. It also helps reduce the risk of dermatitis from shaving or sweating, two common problems in men, who naturally have oily skin and blackheads.
Several sessions are required, and you may need to book additional maintenance sessions. Results vary from patient to patient.
Liposuction, men's cosmetic surgery
Until a few years ago, liposuction was seen as a women's concern, but it has now become another aesthetic treatment for men who want to improve their image.
Your consultation at iki is free · 45 minutes
A diagnosis and a written, phased plan. You decide afterwards. Related treatment: Aesthetic medicine for men.Liposuction is a surgery to reduce fat accumulated in the abdomen, chest, waist or back. In men, this procedure can be more complicated to perform than in women, because male fat tends to be more fibrous. Results usually start to show after 2 or 3 months.
Double chin reduction, another aesthetic treatment for men
Men also reduce their double chin, using fat-reducing enzymes. It's a non-invasive option that helps define male facial features, such as the chin or jawline.
This aesthetic treatment for men is usually spread over a few sessions, normally 2 to 4, depending on the case. For the best results, though, it's essential that the physician performing it knows male facial anatomy well and keeps in mind which features most flatter the face.
The benefits of aesthetic treatment for men
In many countries aesthetic medicine is synonymous with vanity and luxury, but seeking aesthetic treatment isn't a sign of vanity; it shows that we care about our skin and how it looks. Men, just like women, want to look and feel their best, and there's nothing wrong with that.
It's true, too, that aesthetic treatments for men aren't always about physical change. Many of these procedures can help men feel more confident, which translates into better self-esteem.
The main benefits of aesthetic treatments for men are:
- They improve a man's professional image.
- They offer long-lasting results on the skin.
- They improve well-being and self-esteem.
- They correct imperfections and enhance masculine features.
- They improve the look and radiance of the skin.
- They can help control skin problems such as acne or dermatitis.
Men's aesthetics vs. women's aesthetics
At this point, you may be wondering how aesthetic treatments for men differ from those for women. What changes isn't how the procedure is performed or the products used; what sets them apart is the type of aesthetic needs they address.
Men's aesthetic medicine is tied to the male aesthetic standard, which is very different from the female one. Men also have skin that's more responsive to androgens, which means they need different skincare products.
All the treatments mentioned can be adapted to men's needs, although, like any medical procedure, they have risks and contraindications that need to be assessed. That's why it's important to go to a medical center if you ever decide to have one of them.
At IKI Skin Experts, the medical team knows the standards of male aesthetics and, more importantly, has spent years treating every type of skin. Start with a free medical consultation: we examine your skin and tell you which treatments make sense for you, and which don't.
What should you consider before an aesthetic treatment for men?
Besides finding the best professionals and following their guidelines to minimize any side effects, remember that aesthetic treatments for men are subtle. You won't see immediate changes in your skin, so be ready for that with the following tips.
Less is more
The goal is to improve your appearance gradually, with a result that lasts a long time. It's better to start with one dose of Botox or hyaluronic acid than to overdo the amount and put your face at risk.
Choose natural results
There are many aesthetic treatments for men, especially surgeries to change the shape of the jaw, nose, eyelids and mouth. However, there are also natural, minimally invasive procedures. To reach your aesthetic goals, we suggest facial rejuvenation techniques that give natural results on the skin.
Prevention is best
Don't wait until you have wrinkles, sagging or dark circles to visit an aesthetic clinic. The best way to keep a youthful, masculine face is to care for your skin before these problems appear. See a physician who specializes in skin and start a skincare routine adapted to your needs.
Men no longer need to hide their wish to look and feel good; what matters is knowing which treatments make sense for their skin and which don't. Results vary from patient to patient. Your consultation at iki is free · 45 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common aesthetic treatment for men?
Botulinum toxin. It's used to soften wrinkles in the upper third of the face: between the brows, the forehead and crow's feet. It gives natural results, with tolerable discomfort, and its effect lasts around 6 months; after that, a touch-up is needed to maintain it. Men usually need different doses than women, which is why it's best done by an experienced physician.
How long do hyaluronic acid fillers last in men?
Their effects usually show around a week after treatment and can last 12 to 15 months, although how long they last depends on the product, the area and each patient. They're used to fill wrinkles and folds and to restore hydration to the skin. The recommendation is to start with conservative amounts and aim for natural results.
How does laser hair removal work for men?
It reduces hair progressively, session by session, in areas such as the underarms, chest or back. Beyond convenience, it can help reduce irritation from shaving and sweating. Several sessions are needed and, in many cases, maintenance sessions. Results vary from patient to patient, with hair type and with skin tone.
How do aesthetic treatments for men differ from those for women?
Not in the technique or the products, but in the goals. Men's aesthetics aims to define the contour: a defined chin, jaw and cheekbones, while women more often look to soften. Men's skin is also thicker, oilier and more sensitive to androgens, which changes the doses and the skincare products that are worth using.
What should I consider before my first aesthetic treatment?
Three things. Less is more: start with conservative doses and adjust later. Prioritize natural results and minimally invasive procedures over surgery. And prevent: care for your skin before wrinkles or sagging appear. Changes are gradual, not immediate, and it's best to choose a medical team that assesses your skin before proposing a procedure.
This article is for information only and does not replace a medical consultation. Results of any treatment vary from patient to patient. If you have a skin condition, book a consultation to get a diagnosis.