June is an important month on our health awareness calendars, as it’s time for Men’s Health Week, and the time to incite conversations around what it means for men to be healthy.
Figures show that men are less engaged with their health and are less inclined to seek professional help for issues that they may face, which contributes to the fact that men die at disproportionately higher numbers throughout the stages of life. We as a community must reflect on how we can create positive and healthy environments for men and boys. We need to challenge perceptions – masculinity and self-maintenance are not antonyms.
We at Mode Plastic Surgery primarily see male patients for skin health concerns (including skin cancer treatment) and cosmetic concerns. With this in mind, we believe it would be beneficial to share information on these health concerns that we treat every week.
Skin Health- Cancers & Melanomas
Australia and New Zealand have the highest rates of melanoma in the world, and men are at higher risk of developing both non-melanoma and melanoma skin cancer than women. This could be because men are more reluctant to have their skin checked. Skin cancer risks include:
- Excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun (or from solariums)
- Fair skin
- Blonde hair
- Multiple moles
- Having a depressed immune system: People who are immunosuppressed, such as solid organ transplant recipients, have a higher risk of non-melanoma skin cancer and melanoma.
- Family history: this is questionable but there is some higher risk amongst families of a person with melanoma – some of this could be genetic or growing up/living in a similar environment.
- Previous personal diagnosis: People who have been diagnosed and treated for melanoma or non-melanoma skin cancer have a greater risk of additional diagnoses.
Our recommendation is a 6 monthly skin check with your GP or dermatologist. Even if you are not due for a skin check, you should be vigilant and watch for:
- New moles and spots.
- Existing moles which increase in size, change colour or become irregular.
- Any mole or spot that becomes raised, lumpy, scaly or ulcerated.
- Red moles that are firm and enlarging.
- Any mole or spot that itches, bleeds or weeps.
- Any spot that looks different from the others.
Both GPs and dermatologists will undertake non-surgical management of simple sunspots and some skin cancers such as superficial BCCs. However, SCCs and most BCCs will require surgical excision and it is best to pick these up as early as possible to limit the size of excision and surgery needed.
Prevention is certainly better than cure and one of our best tips for prevention is year-round use of sunscreen, making sure that you reapply when spending prolonged time periods in the sun. When in direct sun you should use a sunscreen with the highest SPF (SPF 50+). If you are staying largely indoors a moisturiser with sunscreen is ideal. Other than preventing skin cancer, this is actually the best way to have your skin looking youthful for as long as possible as the number one cause of aging is photoaging related to sun exposure.
Cosmetic Surgery for Men – Gynecomastia and Abdominoplasty
Gynaecomastia is one of the most frequently discussed procedures with our male patients. Gynecomastia is an enlargement of breast tissue in males, most commonly caused by hormonal imbalances. It is very common – more than half of all boys develop the condition during puberty, and it normally disappears as they grow older. About 1 in 3 older men will develop it.
The condition causes enlarged breasts that feel rubbery or firm. It can be mild where it is easily concealed in clothing to dramatic sizes where patients feel embarrassed in social settings as they find it difficult to conceal. We normally treat gynecomastia with liposuction and direct gland removal via an incision placed around the nipple. Patients in the past have stayed in the hospital for a night, and the surgery is performed under a general anaesthetic.
The other most common discussed procedure is Abdominoplasty and Liposuction frequently around the tummy or torso region. These procedures are best in patients who maintain a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, and exercise. We can then target surgical solutions – liposuction being good for difficult to move fat deposits, and abdominoplasty or body lift being the solution when there is excess skin. Dr Aggarwal would guide you through this decision making if you have had massive weight loss or wish to discuss your concerns.
What we are doing at Mode for men
Mode Plastic Surgery is committed to engaging with men’s health and their maintenance, and this month we will be offering a variety of specials and information.
Injectable treatments
Throughout June, Mode Plastic Surgery will be offering men anti-wrinkle treatments at $180 for one area, and $350 for two areas. Please note that standard quantities per site apply and that treatments all take place under the supervision of Dr Aggarwal, Specialist Plastic Surgeon.
Hydrafacial Special.
Throughout June, we will be offering Hydrafacial Treatments for $150. HydraFacial is an amazing technology that delivers the results of an advanced facial in under 30 minutes. It uses a patented technology that can simultaneously cleanse, exfoliate, clear congested pores and deliver nourishing serums. Vouchers can also be purchased in June for the special price for use at any time over the next 12 months.
Men’s Health Skin Care Bundle
In this new Men’s Basic Bundle deal, we will be providing the essentials for improving skin’s overall health, giving any man a refreshed look. The pack includes three products:
- Foam Cleanser
- Moisturiser with sunscreen OR AHA/BHA Exfoliator
- Hydrating moisturiser.
These products would normally be valued at a combined value of $310, but this new Bundle is being sold at an astounding price of $199.
Mode Skin Protection Pack
For all our patients who have had excisions of any moles or skin cancers, or alternatively any surgery, we suggest this pack as a way to maintain the best scar, and for general sun protection.
The pack includes three products:
- SPF 50+ sunscreen
- Moisturiser with sunscreen
- Silicone Gel 5g.
These products would normally be valued at a combined value of $145.95, but this new Bundle is being sold at an astounding price of $100. June only; for our regular pricing, please refer to our online store.
Contact Us
Throughout Men’s Health Month, we will be highlighting that Mode Plastic Surgery is practice for all, and that we are committed to the health and positive results of all clients, no matter their gender. We want to commit to showing men that it’s okay to seek help. If you would like to find out any more information on our offers, services or health concerns that we specialise in treating, contact us on 1300 80 9000, or email at info@modeplasticsurgery.com.au.