Contrary to popular belief, aesthetic treatments are not only for women. It is estimated that men accounted for more or less 14% of all cosmetic procedures around the globe in 2022. In the UK, there has been a 70% increase in men booking aesthetic treatments since 2021.
Why? The answer is simple. Men too want to look and feel good. These numbers also indicate that we are fortunate enough to live in a time where body positivity is available for everyone to enjoy.
From restoring receding hairlines, smoothing out wrinkles, and contouring jawlines, here are some of the most sought-after aesthetic treatments among the male population.
Why Are More And More Men Embracing Aesthetics?
It is important to note that ageing catches up with everyone. It is not exclusive to women. While some embrace grey hairs and smile lines, others find their outer appearance no longer replicates their inner energy. And men are no different.
When it comes to the workforce, competition still remains fierce. Many men also feel that maintaining a fresh look can actually play a huge role in their overall career success.
A Look At Some Of The Most Popular Treatments Among Men
1. Anti-Wrinkle Injections (Botox)
Still one of the most popular aesthetic procedures for both sexes worldwide. Botox basically works by relaxing the facial muscles that create wrinkles when you move your face.
For men, it is typically used on the forehead, frown lines between the brows, and crow’s feet. In fact, between 2000 and 2020, there was a 182% increase in Botox injections among men. And in 2023 alone, over 500,000 men underwent Botox treatments, which was a record high.
2. Dermal Fillers
Fillers help restore facial volume lost in areas like the cheeks, temples, and under the eyes. They are also used to sculpt more defined jawlines (especially since a chiselled lower face is a top priority for many).
Believe it or not, a record-breaking 200,000 men underwent soft tissue filler treatments in 2023. The demand for non-surgical procedures that help restore a more youthful appearance is undeniably on the rise.
3. Laser Skin Treatments
Most of us are aware the sun can wreak havoc on our skin and plays a massive role in premature skin ageing. And of course, sun damaged-skin, redness, and/or an uneven skin tone can make your face look significantly older.
However, progressive laser treatments like fractional laser resurfacing or IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) can help improve skin clarity and firmness, and have also become increasingly popular among the male demographic.
4. Microneedling And Radiofrequency (RF) Treatments
As we get older, our bodies change. Of course, that is to be expected. During this ageing process, our skin starts producing less and less collagen.
Therefore, collagen induction treatments, like RF microneedling, help kickstart your body’s natural collagen production keeping your skin looking young and glorious.
As these treatments help tighten the skin, shrink pores, and smooth out fine lines, it is no surprise that they are becoming increasingly in demand.
5. Hair Restoration
Hair loss is a significant concern for many men as they age. If we look at the number, around 40% of men experience noticeable hair loss by the age of 35 in the UK. By the age of 60, this number increases to 65%, and by 80, it rises to 80%.
Thanks to advancements in non-surgical hair restoration treatments like PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy, men are regaining their confidence, one follicle at a time. One study actually found that 88% of patients were satisfied with their PRP treatment outcomes.
While another study focussing on PRP’s effectiveness in treating androgenetic alopecia showed that 74.5% of patients experienced improvement, with 91.4% reporting positive outcomes.
6. Fat-Dissolving Injections And Body Sculpting
Excess abdominal or chin fat is a common complaint for both sexes. But fat-dissolving injections, such as Aqualyx offer a somewhat effortless way to remove stubborn fat, and their popularity is on the rise.
In the US alone, the number of men opting for non-surgical body contouring rose from 14,598 in 2012 to 26,902 by 2015, representing 16.7% of all non-surgical fat reduction procedures. In the UK, demand for non-surgical body sculpting procedures during the holidays increased by 38%.
In Australia, a survey of 27% of men had undergone a non-surgical beauty treatment in the past 18 months, ahead of 24% of women who had done the same. Surprisingly, among these men, 8% had Botox, 19% had laser treatments, and 11% had other injectables or fillers. Once more indicating the need for combat, unwanted fat pockets resistant to diet and exercise.
Closing Thoughts
According to the British College of Aesthetic Medicine, there has been an impressive 70% increase in men’s aesthetic treatments since 2021. And men now make up nearly 1 in 5 appointments at aesthetic clinics.
“Aesthetic treatments are no longer just for women, more men are now embracing non-surgical procedures to refresh their appearance and maintain a youthful, well-groomed look. As an Aesthetic Practitioner, I’ve seen a significant rise in male clients seeking subtle, natural-looking results that enhance their confidence without compromising masculinity.” – Flavio Refrigeri, Owner Of Fiore Aesthetics
Clearly, aesthetic treatments are no longer a female-only domain. We will leave you with the following thought: aesthetic treatments are about enhancing the best version of yourself. They are not about changing who you are. And whether it is minimising frown lines or sculpting a well-defined jawline, it is evident that more and more men are investing in self-care, and so can you.
