Blog

Fillers for Men 101: What To Expect At Your Appointment for Injectables

As societal perceptions shift and the emphasis on personal aesthetics grows, more men are turning to injectable fillers to maintain a youthful, refreshed appearance. Injectable fillers offer a minimally invasive solution to combat signs of aging, enhance facial features, and boost overall appearance. At Park Ave Derm our doctors are expert and experienced at performing cosmetics on our male patients taking into account the special concerns of anatomy and appearance, necessary to create the best possible cosmetic outcome in men.

If you are male and considering injectable fillers, here is Park Avenue Dermatology’s comprehensive guide on what to expect for men undergoing hyaluronic acid filler injections. 

Understanding Injectable Fillers

Injectable fillers are gels used to restore lost facial volume, smooth out wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. They are made from substances that naturally occur in the body, such as hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxyapatite, and poly-L-lactic acid. Commonly treated areas include but are not limited to the cheeks, jawline, lips, temples, chin, nose, neck and under-eye regions.

Why Do Men Want Fillers Now More Than Ever?

In today’s society, men are just as likely to look for options to optimize their physical appearance. Men are becoming increasingly aware of the benefits of maintaining a youthful and energetic appearance via cosmetic procedures. Therefore the demand for injectable fillers among men has surged. Additional reasons men are more likely to undergo cosmetic procedures include:

  1. Professional Edge: In competitive work environments, a youthful appearance can be an asset. Men often seek fillers to reduce signs of aging, helping them to look as vibrant and dynamic as they feel, which can be crucial in high-stakes industries. Research has shown that more attractive well kept individuals are perceived as being harder working and more intelligent.
  2. Personal Confidence: Enhancing facial features can significantly boost self-esteem. Whether it is for social interactions or personal satisfaction, many men find that looking good translates into feeling good, ultimately improving their quality of life.  Additionally men’s cosmetics has become much more socially acceptable over the past 5-10 years.
  3. Minimally Invasive: Fillers offer a non-surgical solution with minimal downtime, appealing to men who prefer subtle, less invasive treatments with quick recovery times.

What Can Fillers Do for Men?

Injectable fillers can address a range of aesthetic concerns, helping men achieve a more youthful, balanced, and defined appearance. Some of the key benefits of fillers for men include:

  1. Smoothing Wrinkles and Fine Lines: Fillers effectively reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, particularly around the mouth (smile lines), cheeks, chin, upper/lower lips and midbrow area.
  2. Restoring Facial Volume: As men age, they can experience volume loss in areas like the cheeks, jawline and temple areas, leading to a hollow or gaunt look. Experienced injectors can use fillers to restore this lost volume, providing a healthier and more youthful appearance which look appropriate in men.
  3. Enhancing Jawline and Chin: A strong, well-defined jawline is often associated with masculinity. Fillers can enhance the contours of the jaw and chin, creating a more chiseled and defined profile.
  4. Addressing Under-Eye Dark Circles: Dark circles and hollows under the eyes can make one look tired and aged. Fillers can smooth these areas, providing a more rested and youthful look.
  5. Liquid Rhinoplasty: Filler injected into the nose is a very specialized procedure when performed on any sex. However, this holds true especially in men since maintaining a masculine nose is essential to maintaining facial balance in men. For this reason you must be sure that you are choosing a very experienced injector who has a great deal of experience in treating men.

What Conditions Can Fillers for Men Improve?

Fillers are versatile and can be tailored to meet various aesthetic goals and address specific conditions and features in men. Some common issues that fillers can improve in men include:

  1. Nasolabial Folds: These are the deep lines that run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth. Fillers can smooth these lines for a more youthful appearance. In men these features tend to be deeper and since the skin is thicker a hardier filler may be used for an adequate and appropriate outcome. 
  2. Marionette Lines: These lines run downward from the corners of the mouth to the chin. Treating these with fillers can prevent a sad or tired look. Similar to the nasolabial folds since male skin tends to be thicker, filler injections should be deeper utilizing heavier/thicker products.
  3. Volume Loss in Cheeks: Age-related volume loss can create a sunken or hollow look in the cheeks. Fillers restore this volume, enhancing facial contours and creating a more youthful appearance. In men, it is imperative that loss of volume is not overcorrected and done so in a subtle yet impactful manner to prevent feminization of masculine features.
  4. Thin Lips: Fillers can add volume and definition to thin lips, making them appear fuller and more attractive. Again, male lips should maintain a level of masculinity and must be approached differently than when injecting female lips. Our doctors at Park Ave Derm have the most experience injecting male lips while preserving masculinity.
  5. Facial Scars: Depressed scars, such as those from acne, can be smoothed out with fillers, improving skin texture and appearance. Since male skin tends to be thicker and more oily, men generally are more likely to develop acne and therefore acne scars. Denser thicker fillers should be used in men to treat acne scars.

What are the Differences Between Fillers for Men and Fillers for Women?

While the fundamental principles of injectable fillers remain the same regardless of gender, there are several key differences in how fillers are approached for men compared to women. These differences ensure that the results align with the unique aesthetic goals and facial anatomy of each gender. The dermatologists at Park Ave Derm are intimately familiar with these differences and how to account for them to attain the best results in men. 

Facial Anatomy and Structure

Men and women have distinct facial structures, which influence how fillers are administered:

  • Men: Typically, men have more pronounced bone structure, including a stronger, more defined jawline, broader chin, and thicker skin. The goal with male patients often focuses on enhancing these features to maintain a masculine appearance. 
  • Women: Women generally have softer, more delicate facial contours. Filler treatments for women often aim to create a more rounded, youthful look with enhanced cheekbones and fuller lips maintaining femininity. 

Aesthetic Goals

The desired outcomes for men and women can differ significantly:

  • Men: Men usually seek subtle, natural enhancements that do not drastically alter their appearance. The focus is often on maintaining or enhancing masculine features, reducing signs of aging while preserving ruggedness and character.
  • Women: Women might aim for more noticeable changes, such as fuller lips, higher cheekbones, and a smoother, more youthful overall appearance. The emphasis is on achieving a harmonious and balanced look that enhances feminine features.

Injection Techniques

The techniques used to administer fillers can vary based on the patient’s gender:

  • Men: Providers may use different injection techniques to accentuate the jawline, chin, and other areas that enhance masculine features. The goal is to add volume and structure in a way that complements the naturally stronger facial architecture of men.
  • Women: For women, the injection technique might focus on creating lift and volume in areas like the cheeks, lips, and under-eye areas to achieve a softer, more youthful look.

Choice of Filler

The type of filler used may differ based on gender-specific needs:

  • Men: Heavier, more robust fillers might be preferred for men to create a more structured and defined appearance, particularly in areas like the jawline and chin.
  • Women: Softer fillers may be chosen for women to enhance delicate areas like the lips and under-eye region, where a more subtle and smooth result is desired.

Volume and Placement

The amount of filler and the precise placement also vary:

  • Men: Men will require more volume and structure in certain areas while in other areas they may need softer fillers in other areas. While softer and less voluminous fillers should be used in the cheeks, thicker and more hearty fillers should be used in the jawline and chin.
  • Women: Women typically need less volume and more strategic placement to enhance facial features and create a balanced, symmetrical look maintaining their femininity. 

Considerations for Natural Results

Both men and women aim for natural-looking results, but the definition of “natural” varies:

  • Men: Natural results for men mean enhancements that are subtle and maintain the ruggedness and angularity associated with masculinity.
  • Women: For women, natural results often mean a more youthful, smooth, and balanced appearance that enhances femininity.

Dermal Fillers for Men: Preparing for Your Appointment

Consultation: Your journey begins with a thorough consultation. Your provider will assess your facial anatomy, discuss your aesthetic goals, and determine the most suitable filler for your needs which often takes into account your gender. This personalized approach ensures the most natural and harmonious results.

Medical History: Be prepared to discuss your medical history, including any allergies, medications, or previous cosmetic treatments. This information is crucial to ensure the safety and efficacy of the procedure. Additionally, any history of bleeding disorders or recurrent infections should be listed on your medical intake forms or specifically told to your doctor. 

Setting Expectations: Your provider at Park Ave Derm will explain what to expect during and after the treatment, including potential side effects and the timeline for results. It is important to have realistic expectations and understand that while fillers can significantly enhance one’s appearance, there are limitations to how much improvement or benefit can be had.

What Can You Expect on Procedure Day?

Preparation: On the day of your appointment, arrive with clean skin free of make up or even sunscreen. Your provider may apply a topical anesthetic to minimize discomfort, though many fillers contain lidocaine to ease pain during the injection process. Pro-nox may be used as another way to limit pain and anxiety during the procedure. 

Injection: The actual injection process is relatively quick, typically taking between 15 to 30 minutes. Using a fine needle or cannula, your provider will strategically administer the filler to the targeted areas. You will be able to see immediate improvement, although some swelling and redness are normal immediately post-treatment.

Post-Treatment Care: After the procedure, you can usually resume most of your normal activities. However, it is recommended to avoid strenuous exercise, excessive sun exposure, and alcohol for at least 4 hours after your procedure to minimize swelling and bruising. Cold packs can help alleviate any immediate discomfort. Make sure to never apply ice directly to your skin and only apply cold packs for about 3-5 mins to the treated area before removing to avoid “cold trauma” to your skin. 

Injectable Fillers for Men: Results and Follow-Up

Immediate Effects: Depending on the type of filler used, you may notice some results immediately after the treatment. Hyaluronic acid fillers provide instant volume and continue to improve by attracting moisture to the area.

Gradual Improvement: Some biostimulatory molecules, such as Sculptra® and dilute Radiesse® work more gradually by stimulating collagen production, resulting in natural-looking improvements over several weeks to months.

Longevity of Results: The longevity of your results depends on the type of filler and the area treated. Generally, hyaluronic acid fillers last between 6 to 18 months, while biostimulatory fillers like Sculptra® can last up to two years when used correctly.

Ready to Take the Next Step? Contact Park Ave Derm Today!

Injectable fillers for men are a practical and effective way to combat the signs of aging and to enhance masculine features. By understanding that men require specific considerations, you can make an informed decision to choose the best provider in-order to achieve the best possible outcome.  We look forward to taking care of you (no matter your gender) and welcoming you to our Park Ave Derm family.

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Our office is conveniently located in the heart of New York City, at the intersection of the Upper East Side and Midtown Manhattan. Schedule a consultation with our expert team by completing our online form.

Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager: (212) 752-3692.

=