A 2021 study in Clinics in Dermatology examined how men are representing a “growing subset of aesthetic patients,” particularly for procedures such as skin tightening. At Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care, we have seen a similar increase, with more and more men requesting treatments such as Thermage FLX and Morpheus8. The researchers stress that since there are so many treatment options now available, “knowledge of how each of them works is important for selecting the correct one to optimize outcomes.” Why does it make a difference that men are getting these treatments more often? According to the article, the subtle differences in male anatomy and physiology can and should drive how treatments are approached—and the ultimate outcome. “Physicians should be aware of this shift in the aesthetic patient population,” urged the researchers. However, it should also be noted that skin tightening is not always done at a medical day spa facility like Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care. In other words, man or woman, where you get your treatment performed (and by who) matters.
Men have more collagen density and thicker skin than women, and oftentimes more photodamage (for a variety of reasons, most notably not wearing sunscreen as often and as well as women). The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery reports that there were over 12.5 million procedures in 2018, which is 7.8 million more than in 2012. There is a myriad of reasons for this, such as the incredible innovation behind the technology and social media influence, and it is affecting both men and women. The ability to easily “filter” how we look in photos has “fundamentally altered the perception of beauty worldwide,” say the researchers.
Men and Skin Tightening
Women have long made up the majority of people seeking out treatments, but from 1997 – 2014 there was a 273 percent increase in men getting such treatments. However, men are overall looking for different outcomes than women. They are not as concerned with what is dubbed “generalized aging,” but rather focus on “discrete lesions” such as hyperpigmentation and acne scarring. In 2016, men made up 10 – 20 percent of all non-surgical cosmetic procedures, and the researchers are sure this has continued to skyrocket in the past few years.
One of the reasons we often say that men age well (which suggests women do not) is that the denser collagen and skin thickness serves as a natural anti-aging guard. However, the collagen in men starts to “degrade” at a younger age—which matches the decrease in testosterone levels. Some may be surprised to learn that men also use a larger degree of muscle movement when making facial expressions, which, in theory, is why they tend to form deeper wrinkles.
Skin Tightening for Men
The researchers selected patients for the study who would undergo minimally invasive procedures to address skin laxity, seeking out those with mild to moderate laxity (the reason being that those with severe skin laxity might be better suited to surgical intervention). Non-ablative lasers were one category, and the results were noticeable but more focused on hyperpigmentation removal rather than strictly skin tightening. Radiofrequency (RF) alone was another treatment in the study, such as with Thermage FLX, and it was found to be best suited to younger men with minimal laxity.
Microneedling by itself, a long-standing collagen induction therapy technique, was another treatment studied. However, as anyone who has undergone microneedling knows, this is a long game and the results are not very immediate or striking. The researchers also considered radiofrequency microneedling, such as the Morpheus8 technology currently available at Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care. When combined, “improvements in wrinkle reduction, skin tightening, and lifting of the mid to lower face” were found. It can be a good match for those with moderate skin laxity.
Choosing the Right Skin Tightening for You
The researchers also noted that men are less likely to research all of the options available to them and ask less questions at consultations. That is an unfortunate reality, but we make it simple for all clients by offering complimentary consultations and the best, latest, most effective tech for skin tightening and more. Schedule your consultation with Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care today by calling the office or completing the online form.