As perceptions of ageing and the need for ‘self-care’ change, more and more men are finding it acceptable – even necessary – to seek cosmetic rejuvenation in a bid to boost self-esteem. In an increasingly challenging global financial environment, the way that others perceive you can have a significant impact on your fiscal and social wellbeing. You may feel full of energy and ready to take on the world, but if everyone around you sees a furrowed brow or deep, dark bags under the eyes, they can be quick to make a negative judgement.
A good night’s sleep or super-hydrating moisturiser can only do so much, which is where procedures like the male facelift or male eyelid lift come in. In the most general terms, male cosmetic surgery is no different from a procedure performed on a female patient. Still, there are specific considerations and demands that an experienced plastic surgeon must take into account to ensure the optimal result for their male patients.
A hairy issue
Technique, particularly concerning incisions, is one of the key factors. A recent article, published in this month’s issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, focused on the challenges of performing a facelift on a patient that decided to embrace hair loss.
Some plastic surgeons will extend the facelift incision along the temple in a location that’s easily hidden behind the hairline, but this is not an option for men suffering from Male Pattern Baldness. Statistics vary, but it’s estimated that by the age of 35, 40% of men will experience noticeable hair loss and three-quarters of all men will eventually be affected.
Italian plastic surgeon Michele Pascali and colleagues proposed a new incision that follows the shape of the front of the ear so that the outline of the ear camouflages the scar. A survey of the 68 balding patients that underwent this technique found a high satisfaction rate with the quality of the facelift and the scars.
London cosmetic surgeon Mr Alex Karidis has long used a similar, short scar technique, achieving high patient satisfaction. However, he does make a critical distinction with his male patients: “With female patients, I often make incisions within the ear, as that allows me to camouflage any scarring behind the tragus. With a man, I have to stop just before the ear rather than inside, otherwise, he’ll have to start shaving his ears in the future.”
Other considerations that Mr Karidis takes into account when planning male cosmetic surgery include the fundamental difference between the sexes in the composition of the skin. Men have thicker, more oily skin that tends to slow down ageing changes such as loss of volume and skin sagging, but this must be taken into account when planning a facial rejuvenation procedure.
Award-winning male breast reduction stitching technique
Mr Karidis’ renown as a plastic surgeon skilled in performing male cosmetic surgery is also due to his experience and expertise in one particular procedure: the male breast reduction. His innovative quilting stitching technique was developed to overcome a complication that is common to the gynaecomastia procedure – the risk of a haematoma. His technique won BAAPS Hackett Memorial Prize and has been covered in numerous peer publications.
Mr Karidis explains what spurs him on to develop and innovate new and improved surgical techniques: “Everything we do as plastic surgeons is on show. We are operating on the skin, muscle and tissues, and it’s not enough to cobble something together in the hope it will work. It’s more than addressing function; it’s a question of form.
“Our work can be judged by anyone just by looking at it. That’s why I’m dedicated to mastering these techniques.”
To arrange a consultation with Mr Alex Karidis and discuss any of the procedures he offers, call 020 3811 5982 to book your consultation at our London male cosmetic surgery clinic.
