Cosmetic dermatology – not for women only

When you think of cosmetic dermatology, you may think women, Botox and spas.

But increasingly men are taking advantage of this discipline, writes Jeremy Brauer, M.D., FAAD, founding head of Spectrum Skin and Laser in Purchase and editor and co-author of the new medical textbook “Men’s Aesthetics: A Practical Guide to Minimally Invasive Treatment” (Thieme, $119.99, 186 pages).

“As greater awareness and acceptance of minimally invasive aesthetic procedures continues, individuals across all demographics are increasingly seeking out these treatments,” he notes in the preface. “It was with this in mind, along with a particular focus on the male aesthetic patient, that I set out to produce this book. Fortunately, many great minds across multiple disciplines, from around the world, agreed to join me on the journey to bring you the most comprehensive collective experience in the space of male aesthetics to date.”

Indeed, the book addresses everything from the aesthetic concerns of men of color and of transgender patients to facial aging and anatomical considerations (chapter two); hair restoration (chapter five); and fat and cellulite treatments (chapter eight, which is cleverly titled “Keg to Six Pack”).

It is a subject whose time has come, as Brauer – who specializes not only in men’s aesthetics but in the treatment of acne and acne scarring; dermal fillers; laser resurfacing; neuromodulators (such as Botox); and skin cancer surgery and prevention – notes in chapter seven:

“The demand for surgical and nonsurgical cosmetic procedures has increased dramatically in the past decade. Although the total number of yearly cosmetic procedures has risen by 44.8% since 2009, minimally invasive procedures account for 94.6% of this increase, with laser and light-based treatments encompassing a significant portion of this growth.

“Although the demographic landscape of the aesthetic space consists mostly of female patients, interest in cosmetic procedures has also been steadily increasing among male patients, with 1,300,000 total cosmetic procedures performed in 2019 according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Minimally invasive procedures accounted for the vast majority of this volume (83.7%), with laser hair removal (LHR) and laser skin resurfacing ranking as the second and sixth most popular procedures among male patients, respectively.

“A multitude of factors contribute to the rising interest in laser and light-based therapies among male patients. Advancements in the field of lasers and light-based therapies have provided aesthetic patients a minimally invasive option for treating a large breadth of cutaneous cosmetic concerns, including several conditions that are more prevalent or severe in the male population such as acne scarring, rhytids (facial lines), pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) (ingrown hairs) and rhinophyma (a red, bumpy, bulbous nose). These procedures can often deliver meaningful yet subtle natural results while also offering minimal downtime and reduced risk – characteristics that have been highlighted in recent research as important considerations for male aesthetic patients.”

Brauer graduated with highest distinction from Cornell University and was named a Merrill Presidential Scholar. He earned his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, completing a Doris Duke Charitable Foundation Clinical Research Fellowship and receiving the John Glick Prize for Translational Cancer Research.

He went on to train at the Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology at New York University Langone Medical Center, serving as chief resident in his final year of residency. On graduation, he was awarded the Morris Leider Award for Excellence in Dermatology, then completed a two-year fellowship in Mohs micrographic surgery, laser surgery and clinical research at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York.

Brauer’s media experience extends beyond the world of medical textbooks and many of his field’s leading publications. He has commented on procedures, including tattoo removal, injectables and cellulite, on Bustle, Buzzfeed, CBS News, Extra and Fox News and in GQ magazine and Reader’s Digest.

“Men’s Aesthetics” is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.