The Growing Male Demand
Facial rejuvenation is no longer exclusively female territory. Male demand grows consistently, driven by competitiveness in the job market, cultural changes about male self-care and normalization of aesthetic procedures for men. However, male facelift is not simply “the same procedure on a man”. There are important anatomical, aesthetic and technical differences that the surgeon must know to deliver natural results.
“The goal of male facelift is for the man to look younger and rested — never feminized or ‘operated’. Maintaining facial masculinity is as important as rejuvenation.”
- — Dr. Robério Brandão
Anatomical Differences Male vs Female
Aspect Male Female
Skin Thicker, more vascularized Thinner, less vascularized
Hair follicles Abundant (beard) — more bleeding Absent or fine on face
Jaw More angular, prominent More rounded, smooth
Eyebrow Horizontal, lower Arched, higher
Scalp Frequently bald/thin Generally dense
SMAS Thicker and adherent Thinner and mobile
Technical Adaptations for Men
1. Incisions and Scars
Men have short hair or baldness, making it difficult to hide scalp scars. Adaptations include:
- • More posterior pre-auricular incision (at tragus border)
- • Avoid or limit temporal incision in bald men
- • Limited retro-auricular incision
- • Consider techniques with minimal incisions
2. Beard and Hair
Beard area creates unique challenges:
- • Poorly positioned incisions can transfer hair into ear canal
- • Beard area on flap can create hair in anomalous location
- • Planning must consider if patient wears beard or not
- • Electrodepilation may be necessary secondarily
3. Reinforced Hemostasis
Higher risk of hematoma in men requires:
- • Strict BP control (target BP <130/80)
- • Meticulous hemostasis during entire procedure
- • More liberal use of drains
- • Consider firmer compressive dressing
4. Masculine Vectors
Vectors must preserve masculine characteristics:
- • Maintain mandibular angularity
- • Avoid excessive eyebrow elevation
- • Preserve natural sulci (don’t “smooth” too much)
- • More horizontal vector in lower third
Expectations and Communication
Men frequently have different expectations and concerns from women:
Common Concerns
- • “I don’t want anyone to notice”
- • “I need to return to work quickly”
- • “I don’t want to look feminine”
- • “My wife can’t know” (yes, it happens)
- • “How long until training/playing golf?”
Important Guidelines
- • Natural result is absolute priority
- • Social recovery: realistic 10-14 days
- • Intense exercise: 4-6 weeks
- • Beard can camouflage residual edema
- • Companion in post-op is mandatory
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Articles
Natural Results
How we ensure rejuvenation without a “stretched” look.
Scar Management
Tips for optimal healing and hiding scars with short hair.
Nerve Protection
Anatomical safety protocols for facial dissection.
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