People still talk about cosmetic surgery as if it were purely a women’s issue. In reality, men get just as fed up with a double chin, a heavy lower third of the face and a wrinkled neck; they simply talk about it less often and put off making a decision for longer. And when they do come in for a consultation, it turns out that the experiences of their girlfriends and wives are of little help to them.
The difference begins at the anatomical level. The ANACOSMA clinic in Kyiv on its website https://anacosma.ua/plasticheskaya-hirurgiya/krugovaya-podtyazhka-litsa/ He specifically points out that a facelift for men is more complicated than one for women: men’s skin is thicker, and the beard growth area is displaced during the operation.
What makes a facelift more complicated in men
In addition to being thicker, male skin has more hair follicles and is thought to have a denser network of blood vessels. During surgery, it behaves differently: it is more difficult to move and bleeds more. Therefore, the surgeon pays particular attention to thoroughly controlling the bleeding, and it is important for the patient to strictly adhere to the recovery regimen in the first few days.
Another distinctive feature is the proportions. A man’s face is characterised by a well-defined angle of the lower jaw, straight cheekbones and firm tissues. If these were tightened in the same way as a woman’s, the contours would become softer and lose their characteristic sharpness. The face will look younger, but it will no longer resemble its original self.
How to conceal scars if you have a beard and short hair
The main technical challenge is to conceal the signs of the operation when they are not hidden by long hair or make-up. When planning the procedure, the surgeon considers several factors:
- an incision line near the ear, so that after the facelift the skin and hair do not end up too close to the ear canal;
- the edge of the beard, which is combed back and should be left to look natural;
- sideburns, which are to be kept in their usual position;
- the hairline at the temples and behind the ears, as in men it has often already receded and no longer covers the scars.
If these details are taken into account, the scars blend into the natural folds and contours of the skin, and after a few months, only someone who knows where to look will notice them.
How to go back to work without make-up
Women usually go out in public about two weeks after a facelift, concealing any remaining bruising with foundation. This approach does not suit most men, so a generous amount of time is allowed for recovery. The swelling subsides completely in about a month, and the final result is visible after three to six months.
Shaving is a separate issue. The skin around the stitches and in the area where the beard has shifted may be less sensitive for a while, so you’ll need to take care when shaving, and it’s best to discuss your shaving routine with your surgeon.
The most practical approach is to schedule the operation for a time when you can work remotely for a month or take a longer period of leave. That way, you can return to the office once there are no longer any visible signs of the operation.
Essentially, a male facelift involves the same work on the deep tissues, but with different priorities: a sharply defined jawline, a natural beard line, and a hairline that does not reveal any scars. When the surgeon focuses on these aspects, the face appears younger whilst retaining its character.
