Why is the male face planned differently?
The differences between male and female faces are not limited to appearance. In men the skin is usually thicker, the oil glands are more active and there is more facial hair (beard). The facial muscles are also often stronger and bulkier. These features can affect how wrinkles form and how the face responds to a treatment.
Scientific publications note that, because of muscle strength and muscle mass, men may often need higher doses than women in botulinum toxin treatments. However, this is a general tendency; the dose is always determined through an examination, according to the person's muscle structure, facial expression and expectations. A higher dose does not mean a better result.
Preserving masculine features
One of the most important principles of planning for male patients is preserving the masculine features of the face. Some changes that are aesthetically desired in a woman's face can create an unwanted “feminising” effect on a man's face. For this reason, doctors take different approaches with male patients:
- Eyebrows: in men the eyebrows are usually flatter and sit lower. A noticeably raised or arched eyebrow is a result most male patients do not want.
- Forehead: softening forehead lines rather than erasing them completely can give a more natural expression.
- Jaw and chin: on a male face, a more defined, angular jawline and a stronger chin are generally perceived as masculine.
- Lips: lip augmentation is requested less often by men; if it is done, very restrained planning is advised.
For male patients, a good result is often one that does not give the impression of “having had something done”. People around you seeing you as “rested” is a more natural goal than them noticing the change itself.
For men, a good result is often one where nobody can tell you have had anything done. Say clearly that you want your masculine features preserved; a “less, but right” approach usually gives a natural look.
Dr. Hamza GemiciMedical Director, DoktorClub · Aesthetic Medicine Physician
Treatments men commonly request
The table below summarises the concerns men commonly seek help for and the approaches usually considered. Which method suits you can only be decided after an examination.
| Concern | Approaches usually considered | For details |
|---|---|---|
| Forehead lines, frown lines and crow's feet | Botulinum toxin treatment | Our Botulinum Toxin article |
| Definition of the jawline and chin | Hyaluronic acid filler (in suitable people) | Our Hyaluronic Acid Filler article |
| Hollows under the eyes, a tired look | Filler or other methods depending on the examination; not every under-eye area is suitable for filler | Our Hyaluronic Acid Filler article |
| Hair loss | Investigating the cause first; drug treatments and some supportive methods | Our Hair Loss article |
| Excessive sweating (underarms, hands) | Diagnosis first; topical treatments, botulinum toxin in suitable people and other options | Our Excessive Sweating article |
| Unwanted hair on the back, shoulders or chest | Laser hair removal (depending on skin and hair type) | Our Laser Hair Removal article |
Although hair loss and excessive sweating may seem like aesthetic concerns, they can sometimes be linked to an underlying medical condition. For this reason, rather than asking directly for a “procedure” for these concerns, it is advisable to have a doctor's assessment first.
Realistic expectations: what can and cannot be done?
Medical aesthetic treatments can soften certain concerns; however, they do not change your facial structure or your age. The effect of botulinum toxin is temporary and usually lasts a few months. The effect of hyaluronic acid fillers also fades over time. Knowing from the start that repeats may be needed to maintain the result keeps your expectations realistic.
- Results vary from person to person; the same treatment can look different on two men.
- In thick skin, fine lines and deep wrinkles may respond differently.
- A beard can affect planning and healing in jawline treatments; discuss this with your doctor.
- No treatment is risk-free; side effects are usually mild and temporary, but serious problems can rarely occur.
Choosing a doctor: additional notes for male patients
The general rules for choosing a doctor are the same for men: the treatment must be performed by a doctor trained in the relevant field, in a place that qualifies as a healthcare facility. In addition, it can be useful to ask about the doctor's experience with planning specific to male facial anatomy.
- Ask the doctor what they pay attention to with male patients.
- Find out the active ingredient of the product to be used on you and whether it is licensed.
- Be cautious about a “more product, better result” approach.
- Stay away from treatments carried out in places that are not healthcare facilities, such as gyms, barbershops or homes.
- Find out before the procedure whom to contact, and how, if there is a problem.
Safety: what you need to tell your doctor
It is important to share your medical history in full during the examination. Some information that male patients sometimes consider unimportant but that can affect planning includes:
- Blood-thinning medicines, painkillers or some herbal supplements (these can increase the risk of bruising)
- Hormones or supplements used for bodybuilding
- Medicines you use for hair loss
- Diseases of the muscles or nervous system
- Aesthetic treatments you have had before and their dates
- Intense sport, sun exposure or travel you have planned in the near future
Seek emergency medical help (112, or your local emergency number) without delay if you notice
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Sudden deterioration in vision or double vision
- Marked drooping of the eyelid together with difficulty speaking or muscle weakness
- Steadily increasing severe pain in the treatment area
- Whitening, purplish or mottled colour change of the skin
- Rapidly increasing swelling of the face, lips or tongue
A final word
In men, medical aesthetics gives the most natural results with a “less but right” approach. Clearly explaining what you want, stating that you want your masculine features preserved and deciding without rushing after the examination are the most important steps towards a result you will be happy with.
Questions to ask your physician
- What do you do differently when planning for male facial structure?
- How do my muscle structure and skin thickness affect the dose?
- Will the position and shape of my eyebrows change?
- Is the recommended method for the jawline suitable for me, and what are the alternatives?
- Is filler suitable for my under-eye area, or is a different approach needed?
- What is the active ingredient of the product to be used, and is it licensed?
- How long will the result last, and how often will repeats be needed?
- What should I watch out for after the procedure regarding my beard and shaving?
- How can I reach you if there is a problem?
Frequently asked questions
Why might the botulinum toxin dose be different for men?
In men the facial muscles are usually stronger and bulkier. For this reason, higher doses than in women may be needed in some areas. However, the dose is always determined individually through an examination; there is no general rule.
Will my face look feminine after treatment?
With treatments planned to suit male facial anatomy, the aim is to preserve masculine features. Raising this concern openly at the examination helps your doctor plan accordingly.
How long does jawline filler last?
The effect of hyaluronic acid fillers varies by person, the product used and the area, and fades over time. Your doctor can assess the expected duration for you.
Can I go straight to a procedure for my hair loss?
Hair loss can have many different causes. It is advisable to first understand the cause through a doctor's assessment; treatment options are decided accordingly. For details, see our Hair Loss article.
Is excessive sweating an aesthetic problem?
Excessive sweating is a medical condition that can significantly affect daily life and can sometimes be linked to another illness. It is advisable to get a diagnosis first and then discuss treatment options. For details, see our Excessive Sweating article.
Is laser hair removal suitable for everyone for back hair?
The effect of laser hair removal varies by skin colour and hair type; it is usually limited on light-coloured or white hair. Your suitability is determined by a doctor's assessment.
Sources
- Aesthetic Treatment With Botulinum Toxin: Approaches Specific to Men — Dermatologic Surgery (PubMed), 2017
- The Male Aesthetic Patient: Facial Anatomy, Concepts of Attractiveness, and Treatment Patterns — Journal of Drugs in Dermatology (PubMed), 2018
- Refining male injectables in aesthetics — Clinics in Dermatology (PubMed), 2022
- Who should provide your cosmetic treatment? — American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)
- Hair loss: Diagnosis and treatment — American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)
- Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) — NHS (United Kingdom)
- Laser hair removal: FAQs — American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)
Medical Aesthetics Expert Board
This article has been reviewed by the DoktorClub Medical Aesthetics Expert Board.
