Self-optimisation: the key to success?

Oscar Wilde recognised early on that "A man's face is his autobiography, a woman's face is the work of her design". Those days are long gone, says Dr Neda Nabavi, a specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery. The modern man wants his reflection to reflect his inner self and utilises the benefits of aesthetic treatments to reduce the signs of stress and premature ageing. We spoke to Dr Nabavi about how men can turn their appearance into a guarantee of success.

Dr Nabavi, what motivates men to undergo aesthetic treatment?
Ageing processes are often misinterpreted as a lack of energy, especially in men. Pronounced frown lines make faces appear less friendly and drooping eyelids create a tired impression. In the meantime, men have also recognised that reaching for the cream pot is often no longer enough and therefore choose gentle methods to express their inner self-perception to the outside world.

What impact do aesthetic treatments have on a career?
Nowadays, the competitive pressure in the world of work is enormous. Studies have shown that attractive people with the same qualifications often earn more and climb the career ladder more quickly. So it's not about vanity, but about an honest and sober view of our social demands. Vitality and freshness promote a dynamic and positive charisma and can act as a career motor.

What are the most popular treatments in your practice?
We are seeing a huge demand for autologous blood treatments that utilise the body's own regenerative properties of platelet-rich plasma (PRP). This procedure originally comes from sports medicine and works wonderfully as a natural form of anti-ageing for the face, but is also particularly useful in cases of incipient hair loss to increase hair density and strengthen the hair. Facial modelling in the lower face area is also very popular. A prominent chin and a defined chin/jawline are considered very expressive and masculine. Botulinum toxin prevents unsightly sweat stains on business shirts. Men are generally results-orientated and want treatments with quick results and little to no downtime.

Where is the trend heading?
Innovative minimally invasive applications will become more and more established as part of a skincare routine. Prevention by stimulating collagen production through micro-focussed ultrasound and special radiofrequency procedures slows down the ageing process, so that a fresh, refreshed external appearance emphasises dynamic radiance and promotes self-confidence as a basic prerequisite for attractiveness. Awareness of preventive measures is increasing, particularly among young men, so that invasive measures such as facelift surgery will be used less and less in future.