From The Straits Times    |

Taking care of one’s appearance is no longer just associated with women. Today, more men are placing a greater emphasis on looking good from top to toe, inside and out. Instead of scoffing at what aesthetic treatments can offer, they’re realising that it could help them move ahead in life – from getting a new job, a promotion or even finding their significant other. 

At Amaris B. Clinic, medical director Dr Ivan Puah believes that everyone, regardless of gender, deserves to look and feel good. And acknowledging this growing trend, he has put together a list of six popular aesthetics treatments that can help men get their groove back.

Acne Treatment

Good for: Acne and post-acne skin woes 

Generally, men have thicker skin with more active oil glands, so it’s no wonder that they’re more prone to acne issues. When it comes to treating acne woes, there is no one-size-fits-all solution.  

If you have blackheads, whiteheads and inflammatory acne like cysts and pustules, try the Medical Grade Skin Peel, which is enriched with acids and enzymes that not only slough off dead skin, but also help reduce inflammation and oil production. 

Alternatively, go for the Spectra Laser Peel Treatment, which targets the P.Acne bacteria responsible for pimples, while reducing excess sebum production and inflammation, to prevent future breakouts. 

Depending on the severity of your condition, medication such as topical retinoids and oral antibiotics may also be prescribed to help control the problem. 

If years of teenage acne have led to post-acne scarring, Picocare Acne Scars Laser can help. The US FDA-approved picosecond laser specifically targets acne scars and enlarged pores, refining the skin surface for a smoother complexion. Plus, it is able to penetrate deep into skin to treat the targeted area without damaging the skin surface, which means less downtime, so you can go about your daily routine as usual.

Brotox

Good for: Pronounced lines and wrinkles, or excessive sweating

The aptly coined term “Brotox” (aka “Botox for men”) came about due to the popularity of botulinum toxin injections among men. In fact, botulinum toxin treatments are one of the most commonly done aesthetics treatments. 

This naturally purified protein is used to temporarily block muscle movement, and cosmetically, it is often used to relax facial muscles, which in turn prevents the formation of lines and wrinkles caused by repeated movements, such as constant frowning and furrowing of the brows. 

But did you know that besides relaxing the facial muscles, and smoothing lines and wrinkles, botulinum toxin injections can also be used to tighten and redefine the neck and jawline for a more youthful look, reduce teeth grinding when you sleep (it relaxes the tension held in the jaw muscles), reduce excess oil production in skin, and even treat excessive sweating? All these can be beneficial for the man who wants to look his best, no matter the occasion.  

Fillers

Good for: Hollowed and sunken areas 

Along with age comes the effects of gravity, leaving our features looking less than youthful. Hollowed eyes, sunken cheeks and prominent lines, especially along the nasolabial area, are all common signs of skin ageing. 

To help one look more youthful, dermal fillers are a popular choice. Most dermal fillers are clear hyaluronic acid gels that closely mimic the natural hyaluronic acid in our skin. 

It not only means fewer complications for the patient, but it also gives a more natural-looking finish. These fillers instantly add volume to hollowed areas and soften deep-set lines for a fresher-looking complexion, without one having to go under the knife. 

Dermal fillers can also remodel the chin and nose for better definition.

Tattoo Removal 

Good for: Old tattoos 

That tribal tattoo might have been cool when your man was younger, but he may feel it’s an outdated look now. For a clean slate, the PICO Tattoo Laser can be used to remove tattoos that have overstayed their welcome. 

The laser uses focused beams of pulsating light energy, delivered in short bursts, to remove  tattoo ink by disrupting the cells that contain the pigments. In fact, this laser is not only effective in reducing the appearance of tattoos, but can also be used for other pigment-related skin woes, such as freckles and birthmarks. Plus, the shorter laser pulse also means it’s more efficient, so fewer sessions are needed. 

More importantly, the PICO Tattoo Laser does not damage surrounding skin tissue, so it minimises downtime too. 

Male Breast Reduction

Good for: Gynecomastia

Just like women, men can have body image issues too. And sometimes these issues can’t be solved simply by hitting the gym or eating right. What we term “moobs”, or man boobs, may not just be an issue of aesthetics, but a medical condition called gynecomastia. 

It is an endocrine system disorder which results in a hormonal imbalance. This, in turn, leads to enlarged male breasts. Other causes include side effects from certain medications, genetics and even ageing. 

Unfortunately, exercise and diet will not be able to remove these “moobs” as breast tissue is generally firmer and denser than fat tissue. In such instances, Gynecomastia surgery is the best option. At Amaris B. Clinic, Dr Puah offers a 4D Chest Remodelling treatment that not only removes the excess glandular and fat tissue in the chest area but also reshapes and tightens the area. 

The surgery starts with glandular tissue excision and liposuction to remove the excess breast and fat tissues, and then any loose skin is tightened and the area is defined to give your man a lean and more masculine-looking chest. 

VASER Lipo 

Good for: Stubborn pockets of fat 

Exercising is a proven way to lose weight, but sometimes no matter how hard you exercise and diet, there are still areas that won’t budge. For these stubborn pockets of fat, VASER Lipo can help. 

Think of the procedure as a gentler form of liposuction: Ultrasound wave technology is used to liquefy fat cells at the targeted areas. These are then removed via vacuum suction. And because VASER Lipo is about precision, it does not disturb the surrounding tissue, blood vessels and nerves, so there is a low risk of bruising and bleeding. In addition, the ultrasound waves are also said to stimulate collagen production to help achieve smoother and tighter skin at the same time.

This minimally-invasive treatment works best on problem areas like the abdomen, chest, arms, back and thighs. It is important to note that VASER Lipo is used to contour and sculpt, and should not be used as a weight loss alternative. A healthy diet and regular exercise plan is recommended to maintain his new and trim physique.  

For more information, visit www.amaris-b.com