Men's Aesthetic Treatments See 70% Increase

In recent years, a large change we’ve seen in the medical aesthetic market is the rising number of men seeking cosmetic procedures. According to the British College of Aesthetic Medicine, there has been a remarkable 70% increase in men's aesthetic treatments since 2021. This trend reflects a broader shift in societal attitudes towards male grooming and self-care. To understand this surge, we spoke to Dr. Raquel Amado, Aesthetics Practitioner at Skin and Medical Cosmetics and Regional Nurse Trainer at SK:N Clinics, Charlotte Lundy.

Popular treatments for men include Botox and dermal fillers for maintaining a youthful appearance and enhancing features like jawlines and cheekbones. Laser treatments such as Ultherapy and Morpheus8 are also in high demand for skin rejuvenation without altering facial volume. Additionally, non-surgical rhinoplasty using dermal fillers offers a less invasive alternative to traditional nose jobs, while hair restoration surgeries address common issues of thinning hair and bald patches. Advanced body contouring technologies like EMsculpt Neo are gaining traction for their ability to reduce fat and build muscle with minimal downtime.

Men are increasingly investing in skincare treatments like HydraFacials, chemical peels, and microneedling to improve skin texture and reduce signs of aging. Exosome therapy, using nanoparticles to regenerate and repair aging or damaged cells, is also on the rise for skin rejuvenation and hair restoration. These trends reflect a broader acceptance of aesthetic procedures among men, driven by the desire to enhance appearance and boost confidence. The industry is adapting to this growing market by offering a variety of non-invasive and minimally invasive treatments tailored to men's needs

Dr. Amado notes, "I definitely have seen an increase in men opting for treatments - the most popular treatments have been toxin, polynucleotides under the eyes, and hair loss treatments. However, men are now starting to be more open about skin treatments and dermal fillers."
Regional Nurse Trainer Charlotte Lundy highlights the expanding interest among men in various aesthetic treatments. "Skincare and treatments are not just for women," she states. "There has been increasing interest in treatments such as Laser Hair Removal, HydraFacials, Chemical Peels, Botox, and Dermal Fillers for enhanced definition, particularly in their jawline and cheekbones."

A recent survey by Cynosure found that 28% of men say their skin concerns affect their mental health, and 33% avoid having their photo taken due to these concerns. Dr. Raquel elaborates on the motivations behind this trend:

Confidence and Self-Esteem: Men are more conscious about their appearance and its impact on their confidence.
Professional Appearance: A well-groomed look is often associated with professionalism and competence.
Media Influence: Social media and celebrity culture have made male grooming more mainstream.
Photo-Ready: The prevalence of social media and digital photography means men want to look their best in photos.
Aging: As men age, they seek treatments to maintain a youthful appearance.

When it comes to the outcomes men seek from these treatments, Dr. Raquel points out a few key preferences:

Natural Look: Men generally prefer a subtle, natural look.
Maintenance: There is a focus on low-maintenance treatments that offer long-term benefits.
Specific Concerns: Addressing issues like hair loss and signs of aging.
Simplicity: Men often opt for straightforward, uncomplicated treatments.

Lundy adds, “The change in society and the stigma around men having treatments has reduced – why shouldn’t men be able to take care of themselves and feel the benefits?”

The diminishing stigma surrounding men opting for facial enhancements has led to a notable rise in the number of men seeking and undergoing cosmetic procedures. As Lundy concludes, "It’s important for treatments to be open to everyone. After all, in the industry, we want to give people confidence and increase self-esteem – treatments can help people in so many ways and give them that boost they have always been wanting.”