How can the skin of men be treated during pre- and postoperative phases, and what can the beautician recommend clients visiting her shop? The Aesthetic Surgeon provides answers.
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PROFESSIONAL ALLIANCES. How can the skin of men be treated during pre- and postoperative phases, and what can the beautician recommend clients visiting her shop? The Aesthetic Surgeon provides answers.
As mentioned in the previous issues, the partnership between Aesthetic Surgeon and beautician could be a profitable opportunity for the beautician to increase her business and loyalise clients. Even male clients. We discussed this with Dr. Stefanos Vourtsis, specialist in Reconstructive Plastic Surgery and Cosmetic Surgery. After underscoring the growing number of men visiting his practice, he described the characteristics of the typical patient.
“They are mainly men over thirty years”, says the doctor, “with a net prevalence of subjects in their forties and fifties from medium to high economic and social categories”.
THE TASTE OF MALE CLIENTS
Regarding surgical procedures that are most requested by men ‘of the new millennium’, who are increasingly informed and aware of the great importance of a well-groomed appearance in modern society, Stefanos Vourtsis says that, in some cases, the demands closely resemble those of women patients.
“It is the case of anti-ageing surgery”, says the specialist. “Men are deeply concerned about showing signs of ageing on the face, and growing numbers are starting to request Botox and filler treatments. The only difference is that surgery is generally more discrete in terms of final outcome for people of the ‘stronger sex’ and, therefore, often only corrects wrinkles between nose and lips”. Patients also seek surgery to strengthen cheekbones and redefine the jaw bone, which is considered a symbol of virility. There is also a large demand for laser hair removal. “This is encouraged by the fact that, in today’s world, a careless neglected appearance does not appeal to women”, says Stefanos Vourtsis, “as they prefer well-groomed, orderly and well shaved men. Complete or partial laser hair removal treatments are very common; often women suggest that their partners should submit to it”. Proceeding by macro types of blemishes, the physician underscores the fact that ‘the issue of volumes’, or the need to eliminate excessive fat masses is strongly felt also by men who seem to detest the so-called ‘tummy’. After saying that fat builds up in different parts of the male body, compared to the female figure (as a result of specific anatomical factors), the Aesthetic Surgeon emphasises that requests for interventions, such as lipolytic mesotherapy designed to dissolve excess fat, liposuction and also abdominoplasty are common among male patients.
IDEAS FOR A PROFITABLE PARTNERSHIP
On completing the list of most trendy surgical procedures, the Aesthetic Surgeon focuses his attention on an interesting aspect concerning male ‘aesthetic’ habits. “One thing men are still inclined to neglect is the problem of skin moisturisation. Hence, I advise beauticians to propose peeling and moisturising facial and body treatments, which are highly indicated for the wellness and beauty of the skin. Another service that powerfully attracts male clients, and which can also be practiced in Beauty Parlours with custom designed massages and treatments is skin revitalisation. Indeed, I have noticed that men are highly inclined to submit to targeted surgery that enhances epidermal quality”. Concluding, Stefanos Vourtsis describes the support a beauty shop can offer an Aesthetic Surgeon to ensure coordinated management of pre- and postoperative phases. “The indications are similar to what I proposed for female clients because the phases of a surgical procedure present common characteristics. I suggest managing the period that precedes surgery by preparing the skin of clients with treatments that can also be administered using dedicated machines, with treatments that stimulate collagen and the microcirculation. Instead, when the acute inflammatory phase has passed after surgery, the beautician can focus on soothing treatments to reduce postoperative inflammation and oedema. In some cases, for instance, after lifting and eyelid surgery, manual draining procedures can also be useful. The beautician can, hence, use gentle manual massages after consulting with the doctor (to check the status of the patient and avoid the risk of the beautician treating wounds that have not cicatrised perfectly as yet, with the subsequent risk of complications and infections) starting from the second week after surgery. The same applies for liposuction or abdominoplasty, after which massages are indicated to soften skin tissue and eliminate postoperative oedema”.