What options are available for men?

There are many treatment options available for men to address various cosmetic concerns. Our goal with male rejuvenation is to improve the appearance without compromising masculinity naturally. At the Victorian Cosmetic Institute, we offer a range of injectable treatments and surgical procedures to accommodate all male patients’ concerns.

Anti-wrinkle injections

Anti-wrinkle injections are one of the popular facial rejuvenation procedures and can help to relax facial muscles that cause facial wrinkles from excessive facial expression.  They are a popular solution for crow’s feet, frown lines, and forehead lines.

The first step for wrinkle relaxer injections involves cleansing the area to be treated, then using the Accuvein vein finder to avoid veins and help reduce post-treatment bruising. The site is then marked and injected using a fine needle, a syringe and an injecting gun. Once the procedure has finished, the practitioner wipes and cleans the skin to remove any markings or blood.

This procedure can be performed discretely with no recovery period required. Our goal with this treatment for men is to allow natural expressions and some wrinkling. A degree of wrinkling that is not excessive is preferred to a ‘frozen face’, especially for men.

Dermal fillers

Dermal fillers for men are a safe and effective method to enhance and rejuvenate male features to add volume or restore lost volume. Dermal fillers are soft tissue fillers that help slow down the signs of ageing while supporting the dermal composition to smooth wrinkles and strengthen your facial features. Another use for facial fillers in men is to rebalance facial features; for example, practitioners can use fillers to enhance a chin where it is deficient compared to other facial features or fill a cheek concavity.

Dermal fillers are made of hyaluronic acid and collagen, naturally occurring in the body. Like lip fillers, a consultation is required before getting dermal fillers. The practitioner will discuss the volumes, areas and costs associated with the treatment. The skin is cleansed, and local anaesthesia is injected to numb the treatment areas. The filler placement and effect will be assessed during the procedure to ensure optimal results. Bruising is quite common after receiving dermal fillers and can take up to two weeks to resolve.

Dermal fillers are minimally invasive and provide an almost instant solution. It is important to note when using dermal fillers in men, that features are not over-enhanced and the results are subtle.

Lip fillers 

Traditionally lip fillers have been a treatment that was sought chiefly by women. However, men can also benefit from lip filler. Full, shapely and proportionate lips can also add to the attractiveness of the male face.

Temporary lip fillers made from hyaluronic acid can help restore volume loss in the lip area, resulting in fuller, plumper lips. This is achieved by injecting dermal fillers into the lips, to enhance the size, shape and symmetry of the lips. We no longer recommend permanent fillers for lips, as they are not reversible.

Lip fillers, especially when performed on men, should be subtle and natural-looking. It is particularly important for men. 

A consultation with our team can help determine the appropriate amount of filler to be injected, the ideal outcome, and any risks and side effects associated with the procedure. Local anaesthetic can be applied before the treatment to minimise any discomfort if required. Otherwise, without local anaesthetic, the sensation may be likened the feeling to a slight pinch on the lips. After the lip augmentation, it is quite common to experience swelling and bruising.

Lip fillers have minor downtime, meaning you can resume regular activities shortly after the procedure. The results are seen almost instantly after the treatment. Using a straw and consuming hot beverages should be avoided for a few days after the lip augmentation procedure.

Laser treatments

Laser treatments can be used to treat various concerns and to reverse the effects of accumulated sun exposure. Brown spots, broken capillaries, wrinkles, tattoos and acne scarring can be treated with various lasers. 

At The Victorian Cosmetic Institute, we have a variety of laser treatments available. A consultation with our team can help determine what is the best laser treatment for your concerns.

Skincare

Skincare is an important part of keeping the skin healthy and revitalised in both men and women. Having a good skincare routine, can assist with skin rejuvenation and help prevent wrinkles, acne, and keep your skin in good condition. Consider starting a skincare routine with the basics: cleanser, serum/treatment, moisturiser, exfoliator and sunscreen. 

For cleansers, we recommend something gentle, yet effective at removing dirt and oil. The Aspect Purastat 5 Cleanser is a great face wash that gently cleanses and calms the skin. When it comes to treatments, it can be overwhelming to choose one. We recommend focusing on one concern at a time. If you have dehydrated skin, consider adding a hydrating serum like Aspect Dr Hyaluronic Serum. If you have dull skin, a brightening serum with Vitamin C, like the Dermaceutic C25 Cream, can help restore and protect your complexion. For more concentrated treatments, topical retinoids can help increase skin cell turnover and reverse concerns like sun-damaged skin, and provide the skin with a healthy glow. Introducing Vitamin A into your routine can help resurface your skin and starting with a low concentration like the Dermaceutic Activ Retinol 0.5 can aid your skin to ease into Retinol use and provide long term results. Using a high protection sunscreen alongside Retinol use is essential for protection and reduces sun damage and signs of ageing. Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30+ is ideal, though SPF 50+ is better. For an ultra lightweight sunscreen, try the SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial Defense SPF50. Reapply regularly throughout the day for maximum protection. Adding an exfoliator into your routine can help provide a deeper clean and remove dead skin cells to reveal a brighter complexion. The Aspect Fruit Enzyme Mask helps smooth and protect against free radical damage.

Try not to introduce multiple products at once, as it can lead to irritation and discomfort. If you have a skin concern that you would like assessed, or you are still unsure of where to start, then schedule a consultation with one of our Skin Therapists for more skincare advice.

check out our guide on the best moisturiser for men.

 

Liposuction

Liposuction can be of assistance to remove fat from areas that diet and exercise cannot address. Our shape is predominantly genetically determined. Typically men tend to accumulate fat in areas such as the chin, chest, abdomen, and love handles. Liposuction can help to address these areas.

The liposuction procedure involves a consultation with your doctor, where they will mark and photograph the treatment areas. The skin is cleansed and small incisions are made to allow the fat to be removed. The local anaesthetic solution is penetrated into the fat in the area. Afterwards, the area becomes swollen and the fat layer expands. This makes it easier for the cannula to penetrate and for the fat to be removed. Light suction is performed by a machine or syringe. Your doctor will continually assess the treatment areas to ensure enough fat is removed to reveal a smooth contour. After the procedure, it is recommended to wear a compression garment for six weeks to reduce bruising or swelling that may occur. This also helps retract the skin after fat removal.

All surgical procedures come with potential risks and complications. A consultation with your doctor will ensure you are the right candidate for liposuction and your aesthetic goals can be accomplished.

 

Gynaecomastia

Gynaecomastia, also known as man boobs, is a common problem that affects many men. Enlargement of the chest area can be due to excessive fat or glandular tissue there. The first step is to determine which is the case. This can be done by blood tests (to test hormone levels) as well as an ultrasound. If fatty tissue is the problem, this can be treated with liposuction. Glandular tissue however, often indicates an underlying hormonal problem, and may require surgery to remove.

The procedure for gynaecomastia, involves creating an incision around the nipple area to access the tissue, in order to remove it. However, if there is an underlying hormonal problem, it can be resolved through medication. Liposuction cannot remove glandular tissue in the chest, as the liposuction cannulas are too thin to suction the tissue.

As gynaecomastia treatment is a surgical procedure, it can carry risks and complications. A consultation with your doctor will ensure if you are the right liposuction candidate for gynaecomastia. 

 

Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis, also known as excessive sweating, is generally more common in men as they may sweat more due to their glands being more active. There are a number of ways to combat hyperhidrosis, including anti-wrinkle injections, iontophoresis and miraDry. Iontophoresis is not performed at Victorian Cosmetic Institute.

 

Aluminium chloride (topical medication)

Aluminium chloride is an over-the-counter topical solution that combats underarm sweating by controlling the flow of the sweat from the glands. 

A thin layer is applied to the affected area, usually at bedtime once a day for 2 to 3 days, until the sweating becomes more controlled. Afterwards, it can be applied once or twice a week, or as directed by a healthcare professional. Aluminium chloride can also be applied to the hands or feet, and wrapped in plastic and covered with socks or gloves. It is not recommended to use antiperspirants or deodorants when using this medication.

 

Iontophoresis

Iontophoresis uses an electrical current that is passed through the skin soaked in water or saline solution. This allows charged particles to cross the skin barrier and reduce sweating by enhancing the delivery of drugs to the skin.

There are some risks and side effects associated with iontophoresis, including, redness, blisters, or cracked and dry skin. Moisturisers can be applied throughout the day to minimise the symptoms. Iontophoresis is not recommended for patients with metal implants, use a pacemaker or have a heart condition, who are epileptic or have a medical history of seizures. We do not perform iontophoresis treatments at Victorian Cosmetic Institute.

 

Anticholinergic medication 

Oral medication to treat hyperhidrosis is recommended for those who sweat in several areas. Anticholinergic medication can help reduce sweat gland stimulation and decrease sweating overall. 

Anticholinergic medication blocks the chemical messenger, acetylcholine, as it tries to travel to receptors on the sweat glands that trigger sweating. There are some side effects associated with anticholinergic medication including dry mouth, overheating, blurred vision and heart palpitations.

 

Anti-wrinkle injections

Anti-wrinkle injections can also be used to treat excessive sweating in the underarms, hands or feet. The average duration of the effect is 8 months. The injections stop the nerves that are responsible for sweat production from being stimulated, and as a result, sweating is reduced in the treated areas.

A numbing cream can be applied to the treatment area, although often it is not required. The treatment area will then be marked out. After the treatment, ice packs can be applied to lessen the chance of bruising or swelling. As there is virtually no downtime, you can resume normal activities straight after. It may take at least 8 days before you can see a reduction in excessive sweating.

 

miraDry 

miraDry provides a permanent solution to underarm sweating, by utilising microwave energy to eliminate sweat glands. The miraDry is a handheld device with each treatment customised for the patient’s underarms. A local anaesthesia can be applied before the treatment. 

Most patients see results immediately after the first procedure. It is common to experience swelling or soreness afterwards, but this generally clears up within a few weeks. Many patients only require one treatment, but at least two treatments are recommended to be performed three months apart.

 

Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (surgery)

Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) is a surgical procedure that treats excessive sweating. It destroys a portion of the sympathetic nerve trunk to stop sweating, or even facial blushing.

The patient will receive general anaesthesia to ensure the procedure is pain free. Two to three tiny cuts are made under the arm where the excessive sweating takes place. The lung collapses so air does not move throughout the surgery, giving the surgeon more room to perform the treatment. A camera is then inserted into one of the cuts into the chest. Using a variety of small tools, the surgeon locates the nerves that are responsible for controlling sweating in the area. These are usually clipped, cut or destroyed. Once this is complete, the cuts are stitched up, and a small draining tube may be left in your chest shortly after the procedure. It may take up to a week to completely recover. We do not perform endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy at Victorian Cosmetic Institute.

FAQs

What fillers should men get?

This will depend on your concerns and aesthetic goals. There are a range of fillers available, including men’s dermal filler treatments, mens lip fillers, wrinkle relaxers, chin filler and cheek filler for men.

 

Will I look natural after dermal filler?

Yes, dermal filler injections can accentuate your existing features, rather than create a new look.

 

How long does men’s lip filler last?

Men’s lip filler can last from 6 to 12 months, depending on the amount of filler. Top ups may be necessary to achieve your goal outcome.

 

Do fillers work on men?

Yes, filler injections work on men. Fillers may be ideal for men who have concerns of fine lines or creases around their eyes or mouth. It is also suitable for areas that have lost definition or volume, like the cheeks or chin. Fillers can help replenish lost facial volume and accentuate your facial contours.

 

What should I expect from men’s dermal filler treatment?

Men’s dermal filler is non-invasive and provides quick results with no downtime. You can expect minimal discomfort, immediate results, fast recovery time and very few side effects.