Abstract
BACKGROUND: Men worry disproportionately about potential negative consequences of facial aesthetic treatment with injectable therapies, such as side effects or appearing more feminine. Features of the lower third of the face (eg, prominent chin and jaw) are particularly important in perceptions of masculinity. A strategy has been developed for male patients based on an initial consultation emphasizing the safety and masculinizing potential of injectables, followed by treatment with a high G' hyaluronic acid filler targeting the lower third. AIMS: To assess this strategy in routine practice. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of male patients with poor definition of the lower third of the face wishing to undergo non-surgical correction. Initial consultation focused on detailed patient education and facial masculinization with injectables. Individuals were then treated in the lower third using VYC-25 based on the standardized MD Codes approach. Follow-up lasted ≤12 months. RESULTS: Forty patients were included (mean age: 40.9 ± 9.6 years). The mean volume of VYC-25 injected into the lower third was 7.8 ± 1.2 ml. Patient satisfaction was high, as assessed using the FACE-Q "Satisfaction with outcome" questionnaire (mean Rasch-transformed score: 88.1 ± 10.3). Complications included the following: soft tissue edema, n = 12 (30.0%); hematoma, n = 6 (15.0%); and telangiectasia, n = 2 (5.0%). All were early, transient, and minor; there were no major or delayed events. CONCLUSIONS: This approach to male subjects was practical and safe despite the large volumes of filler used. Focusing on the lower third may help to reassure patients and deliver results that respect masculine identity.