By Raphael Bax, Director – Centre de Chirurgie Esthétique de l’Océan Indien (CCEOI)
Every November, the growing of a moustache transforms into a powerful, global visual campaign. The Movember movement consistently amplifies its message, focusing intensely on breaking down the barriers men face when discussing their physical and mental health. It’s a crucial call to action that prompts life-saving conversations around prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and, most importantly, suicide prevention. At the Centre de Chirurgie Esthétique de l’Océan Indien (CCEOI), we don’t just observe Movember; we see it as a validation of a principle we have long championed: the commitment to proactive self-care and holistic well-being. This is a conversation about much more than just physical health—it’s about emotional resilience and quality of life.
Care Before Crisis
Movember’s call for men to take responsibility for their health before a serious problem arises perfectly aligns with our foundational philosophy. Our approach never separates medical concerns from aesthetic aspirations; we make them complement each other.
We encourage men to see self-care not as a reaction to illness, but as a deliberate commitment to their overall physical, psychological, and social balance. The simple act of feeling good in one’s skin is often the first step toward greater health awareness and a healthier relationship with one’s well-being.
Self-Image and the Drive to Seek Help
We have observed firsthand how closely self-image and health-seeking behaviour are linked. When a man loses confidence—whether due to hair loss, signs of fatigue, or ageing—he tends to withdraw and minimise his symptoms, which can be devastating when dealing with serious health issues.
Restoring a positive self-image reconnects a man with his health. We see it often: well-guided aesthetic care can reignite this dynamic and motivate men to take action for their overall well-being. This conviction is why our model is built on the close collaboration of specialties—surgery, aesthetic dermatology, regenerative medicine, and psychology. We have learned that “looking good” and “feeling good” are not separate worlds, but part of the same continuous process. The balance between the outer and inner self ensures coherence and lasting results.
Beyond Aesthetics: Our Role as a Health Touchpoint
While an aesthetic consultation is designed to address a patient’s expressed need, our commitment is to attentive listening and comprehensive analysis. This moment of deep engagement sometimes reveals deeper factors: stress, imbalance, fatigue, or underlying medical conditions.
In such cases, our role extends beyond the aesthetic realm. We must guide the patient wisely toward general medicine, psychology, or other specialties. The key is to recognise when the patient’s real need goes beyond the purely aesthetic. This ability to listen and refer appropriately is what truly defines our clinical approach and makes our centre a subtle, yet effective, touchpoint for early detection.
Normalising Mental Health
Movember’s focus on mental health is perhaps the most critical component of the movement today. Men are often more comfortable discussing their appearance than their emotional fatigue—yet the two are frequently connected.
At CCEOI, we help normalise this conversation simply by speaking about it. During consultations, a single word or a moment of silence can reveal a deeper vulnerability. We train our teams to listen with empathy, without judgment, and we encourage our patients to view mental health as a natural and necessary part of overall health. Daring to talk about it is already the first step toward changing perceptions and breaking down the stigma.
Vision 2030 for the Indian Ocean Region
Looking ahead, I am convinced that men’s wellness will evolve into a complete discipline, combining health, prevention, and lifestyle. The Indian Ocean region is uniquely positioned for this shift, offering an environment that naturally encourages serenity and a high quality of life.
Our ambition at CCEOI is to help men not just live longer, but age better—with coherence, balance, and confidence. Our role will be to accompany this transition by developing dedicated programmes for men, including integrated health assessments, regenerative treatments, and tailored aesthetic solutions. We are committed to fostering a culture where every man feels empowered to prioritise his well-being, both inside and out.
