Every Man’s Guide to Dermal Fillers

After decades of rigid norms, we’re starting to see a change in how men look at stereotypically “feminine” kinds of self-care. You might think that Botox and dermal fillers are only socially acceptable for women. But the truth is, a lot of men are looking for the exact same benefits as women: to look younger, more well-rested, or to emphasize a feature. And there’s no shame in that. At Upkeep we’re on a mission to de-stigmatize self care for everyone, including men. Don’t let outdated gender stereotypes keep you from pursuing your aesthetic goals. Here’s what you need to know about dermal fillers for men. 

How do fillers work?

Dermal fillers are made of hyaluronic acid, a substance your skin naturally produces. As you age, your skin makes less of it. Synthetic fillers do the same thing as the real stuff–they give your skin bounce and moisture. There are also thicker fillers, made with calcium, that mimic the look of bone. Those are only used in certain parts of the lower face. 

Can men get fillers in the same places as women?

Yes! While the classical ideal of a male and female face are different, men can get fillers in all the same places, including the lips, cheeks, under eye area, jaw, and temples. 

Plus, you can also get fillers in the tip of your nose to make your nose look straighter. It’s called a non-surgical nose job, and we wrote a whole blog about it. 

Where should men get dermal fillers to look more masculine?

You might be more familiar with lip fillers on women that make them look more feminine. But it’s also true that filler can be used strategically to make your features look more masculine. Chin or jaw filler can give you stronger, more prominent features. And fillers in your cheek area, when used well, can help make your face look more balanced and symmetrical. If you’ve always felt self-conscious about a weak chin, filler is a quick, long-lasting fix that can boost your confidence. Plus, you won’t have to wear a beard anymore to hide it if you don’t want to. 

Where should men get filler to look younger?

It depends on your unique features, but a common place where men show signs of aging is under the eyes. If your under eye circles are suddenly looking ultra-shadowy, fillers can help with that (we’ve long suspected that many male celebrities have had this done, btw). Just like women, your lips can also lose volume with age. Getting a small amount of filler in the lips won’t necessarily make you look feminine, but it can refresh your look.

Does getting filler hurt or feel different for men? 

We won’t lie to you, it’s not a cakewalk. But it doesn’t hurt as much as you might think. The needles are small and you’ll feel a pinch, but it doesn’t take too long to put the filler in. One of the upsides of being a dude? Your skin is thicker, so fillers in sensitive areas (like the lips) may not hurt as much. Some types of filler have lidocaine in them which helps numb the area, and your provider can also apply a topical numbing cream so you don’t feel the injections as much. 

What should I expect after getting fillers?

You may have some bruising and swelling in the injection area. You can improve this by avoiding alcohol and blood thinners (including NSAID painkillers like Advil and Aspirin) just before and after your treatment. If the treatment area seems swollen and over-filled, don’t panic! Wait until the swelling completely subsides–usually within a week–to assess the results. What may seem ultra-dramatic at first will usually settle into a much more subtle look. 

Where can I get dermal fillers near me? 

As with any injectable, the only safe way to get filler is from a qualified medical professional. We know that you’re super busy and it’s hard to find the time to look for a good provider near you. It’s too much Googling, and then too much time calling around for available appointments. That’s why we created our app, Upkeep. You can compare availability in our exclusive network of providers and select a time that works for your schedule. Book right in the app with transparent pricing, so there are no surprises once you get to your appointment. You’re in good company, too–about 20% of our users are men and that number is only going to get bigger. Ready to look like your best self with dermal filler? Download Upkeep today to get started!

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