More men are seeking ways to maintain a youthful and attractive appearance as they age. The trend is not simply about looking younger, but about reflecting the vitality and confidence they feel within themselves through their appearance.

Dr. Krishna Vyas of Fleckman Plastic Surgery in New York told Fox News that "age is not the issue." He explained that people tend to seek change when they look in the mirror and feel that their appearance no longer reflects who they feel they are inside.

According to data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, men account for about 15 percent of all cosmetic procedure patients in the United States. Vyas said the stigma surrounding men undergoing cosmetic procedures has diminished significantly over the past two decades.

"There used to be a sense of embarrassment when men underwent cosmetic procedures to improve their appearance, but that barrier has come down considerably over the past 20 years," he said.

Men seek cosmetic treatments for a variety of reasons. Some want to remain competitive in workplaces that place a high value on youth, while others want to address concerns such as dark circles under the eyes or a less defined jawline. The trend of "looksmaxxing," which refers to actively improving one's appearance, has also spread through social media, part of a broader shift in which men's grooming and appearance-care products, once a niche segment, have become a mainstream consumer category.

Cosmetic procedures for men range from Botox injections and laser treatments to liposuction and male chest-contouring procedures. However, Vyas cautioned that nonsurgical treatments are not necessarily free of side effects. Improper procedures or excessive repetition can alter the normal structure and contours of facial tissue.

Everyday habits count more

Before turning to cosmetic procedures, Vyas recommends five everyday habits that can help men maintain both their health and appearance.

First, quit nicotine completely. Avoiding all forms of nicotine helps maintain blood flow through the small blood vessels and prevents premature skin damage.

Second, maintain a consistent skin-care routine. There is no need to follow complicated routines or chase every new trend. According to guidelines from the American Academy of Dermatology, men should apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen in the morning to protect against UV-related skin aging and use a retinoid product at night to support skin-cell turnover.

Third, maintain a healthy weight. Excessive weight gain can contribute to chronic systemic inflammation associated with metabolic syndrome. Such inflammation can accelerate the aging of the skin and other tissues.

Fourth, address hair loss early. When hair begins to thin, early treatment is recommended. Finasteride and minoxidil, both approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, are among the commonly used treatments to help maintain hair density before hair follicles are permanently lost.

Fifth, keep exercising. Vyas described exercise as "the true longevity drug" and recommended combining aerobic exercise with strength training.

"The length of time you can maintain an attractive appearance and your health span are closely connected," he said. "Focus on the basics first. The foundation is what matters most."

This article from Kormedi.com, Korea's top health care and medical portal, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.