Listening to articles is now available on Fox News, enhancing accessibility for all. In the realm of healthy aging, maintaining optimal cholesterol, blood pressure, and regular physical activity is advised. Yet, as interest in living longer grows, some want to focus on looking, feeling, and staying attractive as they age.
The Psychology of ‘Hotness’ in Aging
Experts suggest that the desire to keep one’s appearance can be heavily influenced by psychological factors. This includes the disconnect between how a person feels internally versus what they observe in the mirror.
“It really isn’t about age,” says Dr. Krishna Vyas, a plastic surgeon at Fleckman Plastic Surgery in Manhattan.
Dr. Vyas feels that people often seek aesthetic interventions when their mental self-image doesn’t match their physical appearance.
Increasing Acceptance Among Men
Men make up about 15% of all cosmetic procedures according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Social obstacles that once prevented them from enhancing their appearance have lessened over two decades. Vyas notes a decline in stigma around aesthetic treatments for men.
Motivations Behind ‘Looksmaxxing’
Men pursue improvements in appearance for reasons like staying competitive in workplaces focused on youth. They also aim to address aging signs, such as dark circles under the eyes or loss of jawline definition.
Treatment options vary from minimally invasive procedures like Botox to more serious interventions like chest masculinization.
“The misconception often is that minimally invasive treatments will fix things and have no side effects,” Vyas warns.
Steps to Enhance Your Appearance
Before opting for aesthetic procedures, Vyas recommends these fundamental steps:
- Eliminate Nicotine: Abstaining from all nicotine is key to microvascular circulation and preventing premature skin aging.
- Stick to Skincare Basics: Use broad-spectrum sunscreen in the morning and topical retinoid at night for skincare.
- Manage Weight Effectively: Keeping a healthy weight minimizes chronic inflammation that speeds up skin aging.
- Address Hair Loss Early: Utilize FDA-approved treatments like finasteride and minoxidil at the first signs of thinning.
- Stay Active: Exercise is dubbed “the real longevity drug” with both aerobic and strength exercises being essential.
Dr. Vyas emphasizes focusing on health basics to build a strong foundation in achieving both a long life and youthful appearance.