Coming Of Age: The Best Procedures For Men To Consider In Their 30s
When should I start getting Botox®? Is it time to incorporate retinol into my skincare routine? What is a “mommy makeover”? How about a “daddy do-over”? Do I really need to, as the saying goes, sacrifice my butt for my face? Should I swap my temporary dermal fillers for something a bit more permanent?
When it comes to beauty and aesthetics, there is no such thing as one-size-fits-all. But there are some tried and true principles that will keep you looking and feeling your best. In this series, Coming of Age, The AEDITION answers your most pressing questions about the best treatments, procedures, and practices — from surgery and skincare to health and wellness and everything in between — to consider at any age.
As it relates to the skin, body, and aging process, the thirties are an interesting decade. More often than not, the first half mirrors the decade that came before it (i.e. the twenties), while the latter half is when men begin to see changes to their skin and bodies. So, what’s the best way to address these newfound concerns? Top plastic surgeons and dermatologists share the best cosmetic procedures and treatments to help men in their thirties look their best.
Times They Are a Changin’
As we started to discuss, the thirties can really be divided into two parts: the early and the late. In their early thirties, most guys will continue to care for themselves the way they did in their twenties. The mid to late part of the decade, meanwhile, may look and feel a bit different. “In their thirties, men are starting to notice some skin laxity and wrinkles,” says David Shafer, MD, a double board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon in New York City.
But it’s not just visible signs of skin aging. “They are also noticing that their calorie consumption is outmatching their metabolism, resulting in larger love handles and the emergence of the ‘dad bod,’” he adds.
The Best Cosmetic Procedures for Men in Their 30s
From professional and at-home skincare to face and body contouring procedures, here are some of the best treatment options for men in their thirties.
At-Home Skincare
Before we dive into all the professional treatments that exist, we must reiterate the importance of a quality at-home skincare routine. As outlined in our guide to men’s skincare in their thirties, your daily regimen should include a cleanser, antioxidant serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Incorporating active ingredients like antioxidants (think: vitamin C and vitamin E) and niacinamide (a.k.a. vitamin B3) can help combat the effects of oxidative stress (i.e. free radicals from the sun that cause cellular and tissue damage) and improve tone and texture.
Jason Emer, MD, a board certified cosmetic dermatologist in West Hollywood, also recommends patients use a hyaluronic acid-based serum (like his Emerage Skin Hyla-B) to keep the skin hydrated and try dermarolling once a week.
Professional Skincare Treatments
To keep the complexion clear and bright, Dr. Emer encourages patients in their thirties to get monthly in-office facials and light chemical peels every two to three months. Since you may begin to see the early effects of sun damage (think: hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and some wrinkles), quarterly laser treatments can help to resurface the complexion. Dr. Emer likes Moxi, Fraxel®, and Halo™ lasers.
When it comes to addressing crinkling around the eyes or around the mouth, he says a CO2 laser or the Plasma Pen™, which uses plasma energy to contract the skin and make it tighter, can minimize the appearance of fine lines. New to market is BBL Hero®, a special type of IPL treatment that uses dual-lamps to deliver visible and infrared light with quick-change smart filters that allow for quick switching between specific, targeted problems. Chief among them? Sun damage and redness — both of which are common concerns of men at this stage of life.
If you saw our guide to procedures in your twenties, you’ll remember the focus on prejuvenation. While skin laxity may still not be a big concern for guys in their thirties, Dr. Emer says semiannual Thermage (radiofrequency) and Ultherapy® (ultrasound) treatments can have a preventative effect on sagging. Another option? Morpheus8, a treatment that combines the powers of microneedling and radiofrequency to tighten the skin. The collagen-stimulating procedure can also improve the appearance of acne scars. While patients won’t necessarily see immediate results, Dr. Emer says they will enjoy the age-defying benefits down the road.
Injectables
Moving on to injectable treatment options, neurotoxins like Botox® are popular to relax and smooth wrinkles, in addition to treating hyperhidrosis (read: excessive sweating) and lifting the brows.
Dermal filler, meanwhile, can be used to non-surgically contour the face. “Some of my very athletic patients notice temple hollowing that starts to occur in their thirties and forties because they exercise so much and they’re losing volume there,” Dr. Emer notes. “So, not only are you doing contouring in your thirties for enhancement of signature features, but you also might do areas that need to be filled for a youthful look.” These areas most often include the temples, under eyes (to treat dark circles), lips, jawline, and around the mouth.
Facial Contouring
Like men in their twenties, men who elect to get cosmetic surgery in their thirties are usually doing so for enhancement purposes (rather than rejuvenation). Rhinoplasty, for instance, can be performed for functional or aesthetic reasons, and it can be combined with a chin implant to further enhance the balance and proportion of the face. Blepharoplasty (i.e. eyelid surgery) can be performed on the upper or lower lid to correct sagging and hooding (upper eyelid blepharoplasty) or under eye bags (lower eyelid blepharoplasty).
For patients who wish to address the neck, submental liposuction can reduce excess fat while FaceTite and Renuvion firm and tone the skin. If tech neck is taking its toll, a platysmaplasty can tighten the underlying muscles of the neck. Additionally, a thread lift can be performed to provide a lifting, firming, and contouring effect on the face and neck — sans surgery. At Dr. Emer’s practice, different kinds of threads, like the Silhouette InstaLift, are employed to boost collagen production.
Body Contouring
As Dr. Shafer mentioned, the natural slowing of the metabolism many men experience in their thirties may lead to the so-called dad bod. “Men are seeing their once fit bodies from their twenties morph away, losing definition and muscle tone,” he says. Liposuction is a tried-and-true body contouring procedure to remove excess fat, and certain lipo techniques can even create the appearance of a more chiseled physique.
Looking for a non-surgical alternative? “For non-invasive treatments, CoolSculpting® for fat reduction and Emsculpt® for muscle building are very popular and effective treatments,” Dr. Shafer says.
Hair Restoration
Noticing that your hairline is receding or your coiff is thinning out? You’re not alone. Dr. Shafer says many of his patients start dealing with hair loss in their thirties. Fortunately, it is possible to slow the process. One of the most popular treatments to restore hair growth involves platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Blood is drawn from one part of the body (think: the arm), spun through a centrifuge to concentrate the growth factors, and then injected into the scalp. Read more about one patient’s experience with PRP for hair loss.
Penis Enhancement
“No matter what age group, men are interested in their manhood,” Dr. Shafer says. At his practice, he offers the so-called ‘SWAG’ (Shafer Width And Girth) penile enhancement, which involves injecting a hyaluronic acid filler, such as Juvéderm® Voluma XC, into the penile shaft and glans to increase penis girth and length.
The Takeaway
By your mid- to late-thirties, it may be time to reevaluate your skin and body care routines. Laser skin resurfacing can correct early signs of sun damage, while injectable dermal filler can address volume loss. PRP injections can be a gamechanger for thinning hair lines, while surgical and non-surgical body contouring can restore your pre-dad body. Consulting with a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon who specializes in men will help you to develop the best treatment plan for your needs.