Minimally Invasive Aesthetic Treatments in Men: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The number of male patients undergoing aesthetic treatments has increased, and gender-specific factors influence the treatment outcomes. Few high-quality studies have addressed minimally invasive aesthetic procedures in the male population.

To evaluate the specificities of aesthetic medicine treatments in male patients, analyze their efficacy and safety, and identify research gaps.

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. The methodological quality was assessed using the methodological index for non-randomized studies and Cochrane risk of bias tools. A meta-analysis of 5 randomized controlled trials focused on the use of botulinum toxin type A.

Ten studies ( n = 12,603 male patients) were included. Men preferred neuromodulators and fillers but often required higher product volume. The response rates to botulinum toxin type A for upper facial wrinkles ranged from 65% to 100%, with a meta-analysis incidence of 85% (95% confidence interval: 0.74-0.97). Adverse events were minor and transient (incidence 16% [95% confidence interval: 0.10-0.23]).

Aesthetic treatments are effective and safe for men. Higher doses of botulinum toxin A improved outcomes without increasing the risk.