By Raphael Bax, Director of the Centre de Chirurgie Esthétique de l’Océan Indien (CCEOI)
As we reflect on Father’s Day, we’re reminded of the remarkable men in our lives. We honour their strength, their wisdom, and their unwavering dedication to their families. Yet, it’s a curious thing that when we speak of self-care and personal rejuvenation, aesthetic medicine often remains largely unspoken territory for men. At the Centre de Chirurgie Esthétique de l’Océan Indien (CCEOI), we’re committed to changing that narrative.
It’s still surprisingly common to encounter the myth that aesthetic medicine is exclusively for women. Perhaps it’s the lingering echo of old stereotypes – the idea that men should simply “age naturally” and not concern themselves with their appearance. However, this perspective overlooks the significant evolution of aesthetic medicine and its remarkable ability to be precisely tailored to masculine needs. We see this initial hesitation regularly, particularly when it comes to procedures like hair grafting, blepharoplasty, or various skin treatments. But just as consistently, we witness how quickly that hesitation fades once men experience the professionalism, discretion, and genuine understanding of our medical team.
Debunking the myth: Aesthetic medicine is for men too
The truth is, we are witnessing a definite surge in male clients, both at CCEOI and across the wider industry. This isn’t a fleeting trend; it’s a profound shift. Indeed, hair grafting has become one of our most requested procedures among male clients, a clear indication of a widespread concern. We’re also seeing a noticeable uptick in interest for eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, which expertly addresses those tired, heavy eyelids that are such a common concern as men age. The driving force behind this shift is beautifully simple: men want to feel confident, and they are increasingly recognising aesthetic medicine not as a mere luxury, but as an essential component of self-care.
So, why does this outdated notion persist? Old stereotypes, as we know, die hard. Society has traditionally encouraged men to be stoic, to endure, and to prioritise function over form. Yet, in today’s dynamic world, appearance undeniably affects how one feels, how one is perceived professionally, and even contributes to psychological well-being as we age. More and more men are beginning to challenge this conditioning, especially when they are guided by expert, respectful care within a clinical setting.
The rise of male aesthetics: Common concerns and popular procedures
This Father’s Day, therefore, presents a truly unique opportunity to reframe self-care for men. Let’s celebrate fathers by encouraging them to feel their absolute best, and to view aesthetic medicine as something strong, smart, and proactive. A message that resonates deeply is “Taking care of others starts with taking care of yourself.” Whether it’s about restoring a natural hairline, opening up tired eyes, or simply exploring the available options, this is a chance to empower fathers to embrace their own well-being.
When men seek aesthetic treatments, their primary desire is almost universally the same: they want to look fresher, not fundamentally different. Hair loss, undeniably, is the number one concern; it impacts confidence across all ages. Beyond that, men often seek to address tired or drooping eyelids, skin laxity or dullness, and even gynecomastia (excess tissue in the chest area). The common thread among them all is a deep-seated desire to look in the mirror and feel truly aligned with how they feel inside.
The positive impact of these treatments on a man’s overall well-being and professional image is undeniable. Looking well-rested and put-together – whether through a natural hairline, brighter eyes, or clearer skin – provides a profound psychological edge. It’s not about vanity; it’s about regaining control over how one presents oneself to the world. We consistently observe this transformative impact in men who undergo hair restoration or eyelid surgery – they literally walk out taller, demonstrably more confident, and visibly more open.
In terms of what’s most in demand for men, the list is quite clear:
- Hair Grafting: This remains our most requested male procedure. Our certified surgeons utilise advanced FUE techniques, delivering natural, long-lasting results.
- Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery): This procedure corrects heavy upper lids or under-eye bags, resulting in a refreshed yet entirely natural appearance.
- Gynecomastia Surgery: While still often under-discussed, this procedure is increasingly sought-after. We offer discreet, expert care for a concern many men quietly live with for years.
- PRP, skin boosters & light Botox: These are ideal for men who desire a less tired appearance without any visible signs of “treatment.”
Crucially, our approach always prioritises natural, masculine results. Men often express a concern about looking “done,” and we understand this completely. Our results are always grounded in medical expertise and a philosophy of restraint. Our doctors specialise in male anatomy and aesthetics, which means we deliberately avoid fleeting trends. Instead, our focus is squarely on structure, proportion, and harmony. The ultimate goal is consistently the same: to help you look like yourself – just better rested, healthier, and radiating more confidence.
Embracing self-care: A Father’s Day call to action for men
For a man new to aesthetic medicine but interested in starting, my recommendation is straightforward: begin with a consultation. Most men find their initial steps involve:
- A hair evaluation, particularly if thinning or loss is starting to be a concern.
- A non-invasive eyelid or skin analysis to understand potential options.
- A gentle skin booster or PRP session for natural rejuvenation with minimal downtime.
These are safe, discreet entry points that often provide immediately visible results.
We understand the inherent hesitation some men might feel, which is why we have cultivated a professional, medically driven environment where male patients feel profoundly respected and understood. We offer private consultations, personalised treatment planning, and clear, straightforward communication.. From day one, every patient is guided by a certified medical professional.
My advice to men still hesitant due to stigma, cost, or fear of judgment is this: You have nothing to prove to anyone but yourself. If something genuinely bothers you – be it hair loss, tired eyes, or gynecomastia – it is absolutely okay to want to change it. Aesthetic medicine today is safe, subtle, and medically sound. I encourage you to talk. Ask your questions. You might just discover that one small, proactive step can profoundly change how you feel for years to come.
Looking ahead, I anticipate exciting trends in male aesthetics. We expect to see earlier intervention, with men taking control of their concerns in their 30s rather than reacting at 50. There will likely be a boom in hair preservation and restoration innovations. Furthermore, I believe we will witness greater openness about surgical corrections like blepharoplasty and gynecomastia, as men become more comfortable discussing and addressing these concerns. Finally, we anticipate the continued development of more men-specific protocols that will further prioritise subtlety and a naturally masculine aesthetic.
