The Modern Man’s Makeover: Dr. Douglas Monasebian On The Rise of Male Aesthetics

Cosmetic procedures are no longer just for women—men are increasingly stepping into the spotlight, embracing everything from “Brotox” to body contouring. To unpack this cultural shift, we spoke with Dr. Douglas Monasebian, board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of Park Avenue Plastic Surgery in Manhattan, about why male aesthetics are booming, which treatments are trending, and how modern men are redefining confidence—one subtle enhancement at a time. —Noa Nichol

We’re seeing a cultural shift where more men are openly pursuing aesthetic treatments. What do you think has changed in the conversation around male plastic surgery in the last few years?

Without a doubt, it is the impact of social media that has changed the conversation around male plastic surgery. As with most things in today’s world, social media makes things more transparent. People are discussing everything from the meals they eat to the vacations they go on and plastic surgery is no exception. I am seeing a big rise in male (as well as female) aesthetic surgical treatments. The taboo is lifted and men are not only talking more about having procedures, but proud to have done them. In addition, the advent of more non-surgical treatment modalities has made men more comfortable with procedures. We no longer have to go “under the knife” to have procedures performed but can do things non-surgically. So, for the men who are still vain about having surgery performed, non-surgical options, such as injectables and energy based radiofrequency and laser procedures make a very good alternative.

What are the most requested procedures among your male patients right now—and how do these choices differ between younger clients (like Gen Z) and older professionals?

The most requested procedures among young male patients right now are liposuction, facial implants and injectables. These procedures on the face help redefine facial features rather than rejuvenating the face as well as strengthen male characteristics. Strong chins still remain a desirable feature among young men. For older male professionals, face and neck lifting as well as eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) are the most popular in that these procedures will rejuvenate the face and among men in competitive environments, these procedures can make them feel more confident. Liposuction is still popular among older males and helping “dad bods” is very rewarding for me. I am able to recontour the chest and abdomen and the results can last a lifetime. These procedures become more popular in the winter months as we get ready for summer bodies.

“Brotox” has become a buzzword, but beyond Botox, what non-surgical treatments are gaining traction with men who want results without downtime?

As I mentioned before, non-surgical procedures are becoming very popular, particularly injectables such as Botox and fillers. Other non-surgical treatments that are gaining traction with minimal downtime are radiofrequency treatments which we perform with the Morpheus machine and laser procedures to resurface and tighten the skin. I am a huge advocate of radiofrequency, which not only melts, but also tightens the skin. There are huge advantages to these procedures with minimal downtime.

How do you approach facial aesthetics differently for men versus women? Are there distinct techniques or design philosophies you use to maintain masculine features while achieving balance?

Facial aesthetics for men differ from women in several ways. Both with respect to the hard tissues and the soft tissues of the face. Women desire softer features with arched eyebrows, high cheek bones and slender noses which may turn up more. Men desire stronger features that may be more “chiseled”. During my training in maxillofacial surgery, I became acutely aware of these differences and constantly incorporate these differences in my treatment planning of facial aesthetic surgery. These facial characteristics are achieved by working on both the soft tissues of the face and the hard tissues. Soft tissue procedures include face and neck lifting, eyelid surgery, browlifts and fat transfer. Hard tissue procedures include rhinoplasty, genioplasty (chin surgery) and facial implants. Very often when balance is achieved, aesthetics is achieved.

There’s still some stigma attached to men getting cosmetic work done. How do your patients navigate discretion, and are you seeing more men proudly owning their treatments?

I think the stigma that’s attached to and getting cosmetic surgery is waning. It is becoming more and more acceptable and I am seeing more men coming in for consults and then proceeding on to have surgery. No longer is it considered taboo for men to have cosmetic surgery. In fact, I have had many male patients posting about their surgery post operatively. It’s easy for men to be discrete when having chest or body procedures because no one can tell. For men having facial surgery, they are very often able to go out and socially in about a week. With remote working, men can even work from home several days after surgery. For the minimally invasive procedures such as injectables or laser, there is minimal downtime making navigation very easy.

You work with a wide range of procedures—from injectables to body contouring. What technological or procedural advances have most revolutionized results for male patients in recent years?

I think the biggest advances from our patients in the last few years has been non-surgical treatments. I mentioned before I am a big advocate of radiofrequency treatments and laser treatments. These have the ability to tighten the skin and melt fat and provide very long and lasting effects. There are also other procedures performed on the muscles of the abdomen, which can also improve contour and tone of the abdomen.

For men who are just beginning to explore aesthetic treatments, what’s your advice for starting safely and realistically—especially in an age of social media filters and quick-fix trends?

I think for men who beginning to explore aesthetic treatments, the best is to start off is by seeing a board certified plastic surgeon, such as myself, here at Park Avenue Plastic Surgery. As with both men and women, I consider this a lifelong journey we take together. We start with simple, proactive protocols such as living a healthy lifestyle and a healthy diet. Avoid the sun and smoking. Stay hydrated and exercise. From there, we move on to good skin care with doctor approved skin products and then onto injectables and then laser and other energy treatments. Following that, we move onto surgery. I pride myself on having decades long relationships with patients and having them age gracefully. Don’t get fooled by some of the posts you see. Speak with a professional and let that professional’s results speak for itself.