With the evolving landscape of beauty culture, the interest in male aesthetic procedures has significantly increased over the past few years. The once frowned-upon notion, burdened with social stigma against men undergoing such treatments, has begun to shift, with more men opting for both invasive and non-invasive procedures. 

In fact, research echoes similar findings, indicating a notable rise in all plastic surgery procedures for men since 2004, including jawline filler, botulinum toxin, microneedling, lip filler, chemical peels, cryolipolysis procedure, and butt lifts. Like many others, I have developed an interest in aesthetic procedures to address my personal concerns, as I believe every man deserves to look as sharp as he feels.

Here’s a rundown of my first personal experience undergoing male aesthetic treatment at the Maple Clinic, from the consultation process to the treatment itself and post-procedure care. To gain deeper insights, Dr. Aren Yong, Medical Director of Maple Clinic, shared valuable perspectives on the increasing number of men seeking aesthetic procedures, along with a comprehensive guide to the Definisse™ Filler treatment.

Dr. Aren Yong, the Medical Director of Maple Clinic, has extensive experience in the medical industry. After graduating from Kursk State Medical University, he began his career as an anaesthesiologist and intensive care unit (ICU) physician at a government hospital. Driven by his passion for dermatology and aesthetics, he decided to further his studies in these disciplines. In 2016, he earned his Medical Aesthetic Certificate (MAC), which allowed him to expand his expertise and provide his patients with more comprehensive care. He is also a certified holder of the Letter of Credentialing and Privileges, conferred by the Ministry of Health Malaysia.

He is known for his focus on minimally invasive techniques that enhance natural beauty. His speciality lies in injectable treatments, including botulinum toxins, biostimulators, threads, and fillers. With his expertise, compassion, and patient-first approach, he goes above and beyond to improve his patients’ well-being and confidence by understanding their needs, addressing any concerns, and creating personalised treatment programs.

Disclaimer: The Beauty Insider platform does not promote or support any specific treatment. The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only, and we strongly advise all readers to thoroughly research and consult with a doctor accredited by the Ministry of Health before undergoing any aesthetic or medical procedures.

My Personal Journey Through My First Male Aesthetic Procedure at Maple Clinic

My journey into male aesthetic procedures began when I chose to address a long-standing personal concern that had been troubling me. One of the main reasons I chose to undergo aesthetic treatment was because I noticed my skin had started to sag and lose its natural glow as I aged. As someone inexperienced with cosmetic procedures, I was initially afraid of getting fillers due to the many horror stories I’d heard from others who had undergone similar treatments. 

I also felt that, as a man, it might be strange to pursue aesthetic treatments, fearing judgement and ridicule due to the social stigma around men and beauty aesthetics. Despite these concerns, I decided to gather the courage and set an appointment with Dr. Aren Yong at the Maple Clinic, as I no longer wanted to look tired and desired a more youthful appearance.

My experience undergoing aesthetic treatment was seamless. During the consultation, I was very nervous, as it was my first time seeking advice for an aesthetic procedure, and I shared my fears, including the horror stories I had heard. I told Dr. Aren Yong that my main goal was to look younger and less tired while maintaining a natural appearance. Dr. Aren Yong carefully explained why my skin had started to show signs of ageing, linking it to my lifestyle habits.

He also shared his credentials and experience, which reassured me that I was in capable hands. He identified the areas of my face that had been affected and advised on the suitable treatment and where the filler should be applied to achieve visible results. Before the treatment, I received a comprehensive explanation of the Definisse™ Filler treatment process, the expected results, and aftercare instructions.

During the procedure, Dr. Aren Yong and his assistant applied numbing cream to the injection sites and used a vibrating device placed at the sides of my temples to distract me from focusing on the needle, as I have a fear of injections. Throughout the process, I felt comfortable, thanks to Dr. Aren Yong’s skill. He injected the fillers while reassuring me that everything was going smoothly. Although I was nervous at first, the treatment was far less painful than I had anticipated, and the discomfort was tolerable.

After the treatment, Dr. Aren Yong took before-and-after photos of my face, particularly the treated areas, and showed me the results. To my surprise, I could see immediate improvements. I was also informed that I could resume my daily activities, except for working out initially, as the treatment had minimal downtime. Additionally, I received detailed post-treatment care instructions and was advised about potential discomfort during recovery, such as mild swelling at the injection sites.

Overall, after undergoing the Definisse™ Filler treatment at Maple Clinic, I noticed visible improvements. I felt much more confident and satisfied, no longer appearing tired all the time. The increased volume in my face made me feel rejuvenated, boosting my confidence significantly.

”The most common misconception about male patients seeking aesthetic treatments, such as fillers, is that these procedures are solely for women and that men who pursue them are vain or less masculine. This stereotype overlooks the fact that men also desire to enhance their appearance and maintain a youthful look.” said Dr. Aren Yong when asked about the misconception about male patients seeking aesthetic treatment.

He added, “In reality, male patients often seek aesthetic treatments to achieve natural, subtle improvements that enhance their facial features while preserving their masculinity. Most men that come in are actually looking to improve their skin quality- healing acne scars as well and achieving a glowing smoother healthier skin. The growing trend among Malaysian men seeking such treatments reflects a broader acceptance and understanding that self-care and confidence are important for everyone, regardless of gender.”

Image courtesy of RELIFE

The treatment I underwent, Definisse™ Filler, is a newer option in the field of fillers and is one of the more common procedures men opt for.  According to Dr. Aren Yong, ”Definisse™ Filler is a high-quality dermal filler that utilises advanced technology to provide natural and lasting results. It is designed to address various aesthetic concerns, including facial volume loss, wrinkles, and contour deficiencies.” He further stated that,”By using Definisse™ Hyaluronic Acid Fillers you can achieve a rejuvenated and natural look that enhances your facial features while maintaining a high level of safety and satisfaction.”

Dr. Aren Yong explained that the Definisse™ Filler treatment typically lasts between six and 12 months on the face, depending on several factors that influence its duration. The treatment session generally takes between 60 to 90 minutes, depending on factors such as the area being treated, the amount of filler used, and the complexity of the procedure. He shared that, ”A huge portion of my time is spent on consultation, planning of the treatment, and understanding the patients needs, their wants and expectations. Trying to align our vision and goals as well as managing their expectations.”

Sharing his insights on the downtime associated with the Definisse™ Filler treatment, he further indicated that, “Downtime after a hyaluronic acid filler procedure is generally minimal, but some temporary side effects can be expected. Mild to moderate swelling at the injection sites is common and typically subsides within a few days. Minor bruising may occur, particularly in areas with thinner skin like the lips or around the eyes, and this usually resolves within three to five days.”

“Temporary redness at the injection sites is also common and generally fades within a few hours to a couple of days. Some tenderness or discomfort at the injection sites may be felt for a few days. Additionally, small lumps or bumps may form but usually smooth out as the filler integrates with the tissue over the course of a few days,” he added.

“But always remember, safety is important. Choose accredited clinics with qualified and LCP-certified medical practitioners. In today’s modern world, information is easily available online to stay updated. The pursuit of beauty should never compromise an individual’s health and well-being,” advised Dr. Aren Yong before concluding the interview.

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