Let’s start right away by debunking one of the most prevalent stereotypes in the cosmetic industry. Cosmetic products and services are designed to cater to both men and women. Corrective procedures to enhance or alter one’s appearance should not be associated with vanity, nor does it diminish one’s masculinity or “manliness.” In fact, fillers for men are frequently used to accentuate the features that society typically perceives as masculine or to revitalize one’s overall appearance.
Now that we’ve addressed the common misconceptions surrounding the utilization of cosmetic services and products, let’s dive into the world of dermal fillers, explain what they are, and see what they can do for men.
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are a nonsurgical cosmetic procedure used to restore facial volume, enhance facial contours, and reduce the influence of gravity and aging on our faces by reducing wrinkles and lines. During the procedure, the patient is injected with an FDA-approved substance composed of materials such as hyaluronic acid (HA), calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA), or poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA).
All the aforementioned dermal fillers for men are biocompatible, meaning the materials used are compatible with our bodies and seamlessly integrate with the surrounding tissues. This characteristic significantly reduces the likelihood of any adverse reactions when injected.
However, there is one drawback to consider. Dermal fillers are biocompatible and gradually metabolized by the body over time, requiring the process to be repeated. The duration of the results varies depending on the type of dermal filler used, typically lasting 6 months to 2 years.
There is one type of non-biodegradable dermal filler – polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). Like the other fillers mentioned, PMMA is also FDA-approved and stands as the sole FDA-approved non-absorbable facial filler for men.
The PMMA filler is composed of biocompatible material containing collagen. This collagen-infused filler comprises tiny, non-biodegradable PMMA beads suspended in a gel-like solution, which is then injected into the patient’s face. The beads play a role in supporting the structural integrity of the treated area, which leads to the desired aesthetic results.
Difference Between Facial Fillers and Botox
Dermal fillers shouldn’t be confused with Botox. Although they may appear similar at first glance due to their shared goal of reducing the signs of aging and their similar administration methods, this is where the similarities end.
Botox uses a neurotoxic protein that relaxes the facial muscles, effectively reducing the formation of wrinkles and lines. Facial fillers support and enhance facial features, addressing the impact of gravity and the passage of time by replenishing areas of volume loss or damage.
It is not uncommon for individuals to undergo both procedures as part of a comprehensive facial rejuvenation treatment, because they target different areas of the face.
Top Areas for Male Dermal Fillers
When it comes to dermal fillers, several areas are commonly addressed by men.
Cheekbones: It’s not uncommon for men to experience volume loss in their cheeks as they grow older, leading to a hollow appearance. Dermal fillers restore volume to the cheeks and provide a youthful and rejuvenated look.
Lips: What some men might perceive as a feminine implant or correction, lip dermal fillers serve a purpose beyond vanity. They are employed to address asymmetrical lips, enhance definition, and diminish vertical lip lines, commonly referred to as lip wrinkles. Through the precise application of dermal fillers, the lips can be naturally and subtly enhanced, tailored to the specific desired outcome of each individual.
Jawline and chin: Dermal fillers are typically used to address the signs of aging, but when it comes to the jawline and chin fillers, they also serve as masculinization fillers. What exactly does this mean? As we mentioned earlier, dermal fillers reverse the damage caused by gravity and time; the same is true for this region. However, what is specific to this area is that most men seek to create a more defined and masculine facial appearance by sculpting their jawline and chin. This is most prevalent with younger men, who don’t have to worry about loose skin yet.
Under-eye hollows: As people age, they often experience the development of dark circles under their eyes, which can give the impression of fatigue and premature aging. This is an undesirable look that neither males nor females want. Therefore, the use of dermal fillers for under-eye hollows is not uncommon. These fillers effectively minimize the appearance of under-eye bags, leading to a revitalized and more youthful look.
Acne Scars: Another common use for dermal fillers in men is to conceal acne scars by filling them in, smoothing out the skin, and providing a more even and refined complexion.
Marionette Lines: These lines run from the corners of the mouth to the chin, often giving the appearance of a down-turned or sad expression. Dermal fillers can soften these lines and impart a more youthful appearance.
Nasolabial folds: These folds are the lines that extend from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth. As we age, they begin to deepen. With the help of dermal fillers, those lines can be filled in and smoothed out to give, you guessed it, a younger appearance.
Benefits of Dermal Fillers
Besides providing a rejuvenated appearance, dermal fillers for men offer five other benefits compared to other cosmetic procedures. Those are:
- No surgery – The whole procedure is noninvasive. Everything is done with a syringe under local anesthesia, unlike surgical procedures such as facelifts or implants.
- Quick – The process lasts no longer than an hour. Technically, you can do it during your lunch break.
No downtime – There is no need to stay in bed after the procedure. Once you are done, you are good to continue with your day as if nothing happened. Be aware that some people may experience minor swelling, bruising, or redness at the injection sites. These side effects generally subside within a few days. - Minimal discomfort – Since everything is done under local anesthesia, you may only experience a mild sensation of pressure during the whole procedure.
- Natural-looking results – When administered by a skilled professional, the male dermal fillers are carefully placed to enhance facial features, restore volume, and reduce signs of aging while maintaining a natural appearance that doesn’t look overly artificial or exaggerated. Only those really close to you will notice any changes.
- Immediate visibility – Once the treatment is done, you only have to grab a mirror and see the effect of dermal fillers for yourself. If there’s swelling, you’ll have to give it a day or two to see the full extent of the dermal fillers, but even with swelling, you’ll immediately notice the difference.
Who is a Dermal Filler Candidate?
If you’ve ever gazed into the mirror and wished you could reduce the visibility of your wrinkles, sagging skin, or other facial imperfections, then you are a potential candidate for dermal fillers. Male filler injections can effectively address these concerns and more, either as standalone treatments or in combination with other cosmetic procedures.
To be an ideal candidate for dermal fillers, it’s recommended to possess the following qualities:
Good physical health: Maintaining good overall health is crucial for any cosmetic procedure. Candidates should have no significant underlying medical conditions that could interfere with the treatment or recovery process. Your medical history will be discussed with the professional before the procedure to determine your suitability.
Non-smoker: Smoking can have detrimental effects on the skin’s health and the body’s ability to heal. Candidates who are non-smokers are more likely to achieve longer-lasting effects compared to smokers.
Realistic goals and a positive outlook: It’s important for candidates to have a positive mindset and realistic expectations about the improvements dermal fillers can offer. Understand that even the best fillers for men provide subtle enhancements rather than drastic transformations. Your deep wrinkles and lines will look much better than before, but they won’t be completely gone.
Maintaining good skin health: Dermal fillers can provide temporary improvements, but long-lasting results require ongoing skin care and maintenance. Candidates should be willing to adopt healthy skincare habits and follow the practitioner’s recommendations to preserve the benefits of the treatment.
Conclusion
Everyone wants to look younger, and there is no shame in it. Men and women who seek to restore their youthfulness or transform their appearance should not face any stigmatization for those wishes. After all, many individuals choose to alter their looks because of societal pressures and the influence of prevailing beauty standards.
Using dermal fillers, men can rejuvenate their faces and slightly alter their appearance with almost no hassle. Depending on the size of the work, no one will be wiser to the changes made. To most, you would look like you’d had a refreshing nap.
By embracing the possibilities of fillers, men can confidently embark on their journey towards a more youthful and revitalized aesthetic, defying the limitations imposed by aging and societal expectations. It is a testament to one’s personal choice and an empowering step towards self-confidence and well-being.
FAQ
What fillers should men get?
Best fillers for men are produced by reputable brands, such as Juvéderm, Radiesse, and Restylane.
How long do male fillers last?
Biodegradable dermal fillers last six months and two years, while non-biodegradable fillers last forever.
Are fillers good for men?
Facial fillers for men are an excellent way to reverse the aging process and the effects of gravity while simultaneously being completely body safe.
References
The Male Aesthetic Patient: Facial Anatomy, Concepts of Attractiveness, and Treatment Patterns; Terrence C Keaney, Robert Anolik, André Braz, Michael Eidelman, Joseph A Eviatar, Jeremy B Green, Derek H Jones, Vic A Narurkar, Anthony M Rossi, Conor J Gallagher; Jan 2018
Aging changes in the male face; Paul L Leong; Aug 2008
Midface Rejuvenation Using Juvederm Fillers in Male Patients; Anupriya Goel and Kritika Rai; Sep 2022
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: Science and Clinical Uses; Karol A Gutowski; Jul 2016
Non-Hyaluronic Acid Fillers for Midface Augmentation: A Systematic Review; Lily N Trinh and Amar Gupta; Mar 2021
Injectable aesthetics are popular due to their ability to provide noticeable results with minimal downtime compared to surgical procedures. They are versatile and can be tailored to meet individual aesthetic goals, whether it's enhancing lips, restoring facial volume, or smoothing out wrinkles. However, they should always be administered by qualified professionals to ensure safety and achieve optimal results.
Injectable aesthetics are used to enhance facial features, reduce the signs of aging, and improve overall facial symmetry and appearance.
Key types of injectable aesthetics include:
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Dermal Fillers: These injectables are used to add volume, fill in wrinkles and folds, and enhance facial contours. They often contain substances like hyaluronic acid, collagen, or calcium hydroxylapatite, which help plump up the skin and smooth out fine lines and wrinkles.
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Botulinum Toxin (Botox): Botulinum toxin injections temporarily relax facial muscles that cause wrinkles and lines to form. It is commonly used to treat forehead lines, frown lines between the eyebrows, and crow's feet around the eyes.
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Collagen Stimulators: These injectables stimulate the body's own collagen production, helping to improve skin texture and firmness over time. Examples include poly-L-lactic acid (Sculptra) and calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse).
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Neurotoxin Injections: Besides Botox, other neurotoxins such as Dysport and Xeomin are used similarly to reduce wrinkles and lines.
