Neuromodulator use increasing in men, millennials

MAUI, Hawaii — The trend of using neuromodulators in dermatology is rising, specifically in men and millennials, according to a presentation at Maui Derm for Dermatologists 2020.

Dee Anna Glaser, MD, professor and interim chairman, director of cosmetic and laser services and clinical research in the department of dermatology at Saint Louis University, presented her experience with men and millennials in the cosmetic dermatology practice. She discussed a study that looked at men who are aesthetically interested in neuromodulator treatment and what they are bothered by with their appearance in comparison to what they are willing to pay to treat.

The study showed that middle-aged men with a mean income of $100,000 were most bothered by hair loss, under the eye tear trough area, sagging chin or double chin, crow’s feet and forehead lines. After being asked what they would want to treat the most, they answered crow’s feet, tear trough area, forehead lines and sagging chins.

“So, I find that treating men with neuromodulators is very satisfying. And for all the men in the audience, please take this as a compliment: You guys are easy,” Glaser said. “You don’t fuss. You don’t complain. It is such a pleasure to take care of my male patients. They just come in, and as long as I don’t make them wait too long in the waiting room and I have some ‘manly’ magazines, they’re happy.”

According to Glaser, millennials are also coming in more for neuromodulator treatments. They are more of a challenge because dermatologists have to rethink the way they discuss the procedure with these patients.

“They have very specific requests, typically,” Glaser said. “They want something that will make them look better, but they don’t want to look like they’ve been done, but they want to look like they can see what they just paid you for.”

Glaser recommended negotiating with millennial patients as she tends to use lower doses when treating them with neuromodulators, adding a bit more when they return for more treatments.

For fillers, Glaser said the biggest change she has seen involves patient understanding of natural results in cosmetic dermatology. Patients are starting to get comfortable with receiving cosmetic treatments because of the natural look trend.

“Whichever filler that you’re comfortable with and you feel good about using, as long as it’s an appropriate one for that area, whatever gives you and your patients the best results. And just keep it very natural and keep it safe,” Glaser said. “Safety is a real issue for all of us as dermatologists and for all of our patients.” – by Erin T. Welsh

Reference:

Glaser D. Neuromodulators and dermal fillers. Presented at: Maui Derm for Dermatologists; Jan 25-29, 2020; Maui, Hawaii.

Disclosure: Glaser reports she receives research grants from Brickell and Atacama as well as Allergan, Dermira, Evolus and Galderma, where she is also an advisor; is a speaker for Dermira and Galderma; and is an advisor for Endo.