Fifteen or twenty years ago one would almost never hear about a male receiving any type of medical spa treatment. The budding industry at that time was almost exclusively targeted at women. Like so many things in society, we are seeing a large shift in that mentality. Men, too, have started to realize the benefits of self-care, and medical spas are leading the way. Partly because the industry has greatly expanded to be much more inclusive of services and procedures that men are interested in, partly because men are becoming more aware of the opportunities that exist for them, and partly because of the buying behaviors of millennials shifting the space dramatically.
One of the primary reasons men are turning to medical spas is that they offer treatments that are specifically designed for men’s needs. From wrinkles and fine lines to unwanted hair and stubborn fat, or even hair restoration and overcoming acne, medical spas offer a range of treatments that can help men achieve their desired appearance without the need for surgery. Men also often appreciate the privacy and discretion that medical spas offer. Unlike traditional spas, medical spas have a more clinical feel to them (while still providing an aura of luxury), and the treatments are administered and overseen by a team of medical professionals.
Another reason men are choosing medical spas is that they offer non-invasive and minimally invasive treatments that require little to no downtime. Many men don’t want to take time off work or disrupt their schedules for lengthy recovery periods. Medical spas offer quick and efficient treatments that can be done during a lunch break or after work.
As a male who owns a local medical spa, I am keenly aware of services targeted to men. In a region where the medical spas are almost exclusively run by women, I believe the male voice is oftentimes overlooked. It would be my goal to change that reality. To create both the space and the services to fill that space, that bring great meaning for men. Let’s take a quick look at just a few of the opportunities.
“Brotox” and Dermal Fillers Botox (commonly referred to as Brotox by male clientele) is a neurotoxin that is injected into the muscles of the face to relax them, which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Dermal fillers, on the other hand, are injected into the skin to add volume, smooth out wrinkles and lines, and enhance facial features such as the cheeks, lips, and even create a more defined jawline. While these treatments were once seen as a domain primarily for women, the growing popularity of Botox and dermal fillers among men reflects a shift in attitudes toward male grooming and self-care.
Men are now more comfortable than ever before in seeking out aesthetic treatments to enhance their appearance and improve their confidence. One reason for the popularity of Brotox and dermal fillers among men is that they offer a quick and convenient way to address common concerns such as wrinkles, fine lines, and loss of facial volume adding to an aged appearance. These treatments can be completed in a matter of minutes, with little to no downtime required, making them a convenient option for busy men who don’t have the time or inclination to undergo more invasive procedures.
Medical Weight Loss and Body Contouring, let’s face it, maintaining a healthy-looking body does not have a gender role assigned to it. Especially in our active community of northern Colorado, keeping a fit physique is something we hear about everywhere we go. The reality is, however, that as we age, this conversation becomes increasingly more challenging. Thus, we enter the opportunity for the medical spa to step in and provide assistance.
Semaglutide is the latest in the medical weight loss conversation. It has taken this country by storm. Mostly because it is the first medical weight loss option that is both as safe as it is effective. Commonly known as Ozempic or Wegovy, semaglutide works by mimicking the action of GLP-1, a hormone that is naturally produced in the body in response to food intake. GLP-1 stimulates the release of insulin from the pancreas, which helps to lower blood sugar levels. It also acts on the brain to reduce appetite and increase feelings of fullness or satiety. By mimicking the action of GLP-1, semaglutide can help to reduce appetite and food intake, leading to weight loss.
In clinical trials, semaglutide has been shown to be highly effective for significant weight loss. In a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2021, participants who took semaglutide lost an average of 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks, compared to those who received a placebo and lost an average of 2.4% of their body weight. Body Contouring (just like it sounds) is the process of shaping and contouring the body utilizing devices to remove fat, build muscle, and tighten skin. The reality is that as we age, it doesn’t matter how often we hit the gym. Those stubborn areas of fat are harder and harder to get rid of. Devices like the CoolSculpting Elite and the EmSculpt NEO provide a little support to get the job done for everything from the flanks to the abs, back fat, arms, legs, or nearly any place that bothers you. Neither procedure
require undergoing the knife which makes recovery a breeze. There are individuals who have literally been able to replace their gym workouts with device treatments to provide a more toned and sculpted physique.
An ongoing conversation for many men, is the “migration” of hair from the head to more unsightly places, say, like the back. Hair restoration has been one of the leaders in the aesthetic place for men. The ability to regrow a full head of hair helps build confidence for many men who aren’t quite ready to “rock” a balding appearance. Once upon a time, this meant hair transplants and plugs. Today we have devices like the Alma TED (Trans Epidermal Delivery) that stimulate follicle growth at the deepest layers. Combined with other treatments like PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) or exosomes and the opportunity to grow back your own hair becomes even more within reach.
Speaking of that great “migration”, there are many places men don’t actually want hair to grow. Laser hair removal makes the process of permanent removal of that hair quick and easy. It wasn’t long ago that a full back treatment was both a bit painful and lengthy. The newest lasers in the marketplace, like the Clarity II by Lumenis, create a full paradigm shift. Now a full back can be treated in less than six to eight 30-minute sessions. And the best part? Patients no longer need to bite down on a stick to get through the treatment.
Erectile Dysfunction and Urinary Incontinence represent two of the topics that will bring many men to their knees. We have many drugs that are now available to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) and we have Depends undergarments for urinary incontinence, but why not simply fix the actual cause of the problem rather than mask the symptoms? Enter the world of Emsella. A chair where you sit fully clothed for less than 30 minutes to greatly improve both of these troubling issues. Emsella utilizes a high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology to stimulate and build pelvic floor muscles. It is a completely non-invasive procedure that works by emitting electromagnetic waves that penetrate through the skin and cause the pelvic floor muscles to contract and relax rapidly. This muscle stimulation leads to increased strength and improved muscle tone of the pelvic floor muscle. The outcomes have been remarkable even for reducing the need to urinate throughout the night. And the sexual health benefits are exciting compared to the need to pop a pill in preparation for intercourse.
What we can achieve for skin care in the medical spa is only a small part of the larger conversation. The need for medical-grade skincare to support that journey is a huge component of overall success. Ask 10 guys what they use for their skincare routine and seven will likely share that it is a bar of soap. Luckily, skincare companies are catering directly to the male consumer and have developed high-quality skin care products tailored directly to the needs of an aging male dermal treatment. One of the favorites is the Jan Marini Men’s System. It is easy to follow without too many steps with products specifically formulated for male skincare concerns. It includes everything a guy needs from cleansing and shaving products to a resurfacing product for tone and texture, along with a hydration product full of peptides to moisturize. Wrap it all up with the all-important SPF to protect the skin from UV damage and we have an easy-to-follow four-step system.
The conversation could go on and on and on. At Xanadu Med Spa we have lasers that target acne, age spots, and sun damage. We have devices to take care of skin tags and cherry angiomas. We have massage, facials (including the ever-popular HydraFacial), chemical peels, and teeth whitening. We even have the EmFace that stimulates the muscles in the face to maintain a toned youthful appearance and provide a non-invasive facelift. Whatever the need, we have an incredibly long list of more than 100 services for both men and women and our team would love the opportunity to serve you!
Xanadu Med Spa is the premier destination in Northern Colorado for top-line skin rejuvenation and anti-aging techniques. We utilize top-of-the-line aesthetic products that include SkinMedica™ BOTOX®, JUVÉDERM®, and LATISSE®. We are committed to exceeding your expectations and enhancing your natural beauty through our local day spa and med spa services. It is our passion to provide you well-being, relaxation, & medical innovation. At Xanadu Med Spa, your med spa of Fort Collins, our clients are our highest priority.
"In a region where the medical spas are almost exclusively run by women, I believe the male voice is oftentimes overlooked. It would be my goal to change that reality." - Mark Koepsell
