By: Jason Hilford

Mad Men vs. Sad Men

Goodbye, DiCaprio; hello, Clooney. The manly look is reportedly back in.

Aside from the popularity of the series Mad Men (starring the square-jawed, long-nosed Jon Hamm, whose manly features parallel his character’s high-stress, hard-drinking ethos as a 1960s ad exec), the trend toward a rougher-hewn countenance may have a deeper biological basis.

A 2010 WebMD article written by Kathleen Doheny describes a study documenting women’s attraction to specific masculine features. Doheny mentions a muscular physique and a deep voice as examples. She then quotes a University of New Mexico study in which researchers defined a masculine face as “one that has a more pronounced chin and jaw, with eyes not typically as wide open as a woman’s.”

The UNM study found that women tend to harbor more attraction to men with these features while in the fertile phase of their menstrual cycle — the point at which, Doheny points out, women are most likely to cheat on their partners. Wives or girlfriends of men with feminine facial features are more likely to develop a straying eye during these times.

Chin Up, Sir!

That risk of cuckoldry may be enough to give men pause en masse. For some, it may also be grounds for pursuing cosmetic surgery. Even men who aren’t worried about infidelity often turn to practitioners such as Dr. Michael Bogdan, a facial plastic surgeon in Dallas, for procedures that lend a macho look to the face.

For example, a face lift can add definition to the chin and jawline. Rhinoplasty can harmonize men’s features by creating a more balanced profile.

According to Doheny, men are commonly turning to chin implants, also available at Dr. Bogdan’s practice, to mesh with a longer or broader nose. Facial implants can serve as an effective complement to rhinoplasty for a combined procedure that further masculinizes the patient’s features while maintaining proportional balance.

Of course, it takes all kinds of preferences to make a healthily diverse population (and gene pool). Some women will always prefer the strong, silent, chiseled type, while others like more androgynous men. Those of us who fall somewhere in between may have to start worrying.

Jason Hilford is a copywriter for Etna Interactive, a digital marketing agency. He is also a freelance writer and editor.

By: Camille Cash, M.D.

I’ve never thought of my gender as having any impact on my skill and expertise as a medical professional. I think of myself as a Houston plastic surgeon, not a female plastic surgeon. However, I’ve had several patients tell me that they appreciate the fact that I bring a female perspective to the operating room. Here’s why:

• I can relate to the specific challenges women face regarding their appearance. As a woman, I have experienced many of the lifestyle milestones women go through, such as pregnancy. I know firsthand how difficult it can be to accept changes in your appearance — and how guilty you can feel for wanting to do something for yourself. However, I also know how rewarding plastic surgery can be. Moms and other women trust my opinion because I’ve “been there,” and I always give honest advice so my patients can make an empowered choice.
• I am sensitive to my patient’s thoughts and feelings. I understand how difficult and even embarrassing it is for a woman to come for a consultation and discuss things about her body that she does not like. I am very respectful of their concerns. My patients have told me they appreciate my sensitivity and are better able to connect with me because I really can relate to them. They often thank me for treating them like a person and listening to them. I think a caring attitude puts them at ease and allows them to speak more freely about their insecurities. Fostering this kind of dialogue not only makes them feel comfortable, but it enables me to get the answers I need so I can have a better idea of their expectations.
• I treat each person with warmth, compassion and empathy. When patients come to me for plastic surgery, they open themselves up and make themselves very vulnerable. I think it takes a lot of courage to discuss your insecurities with a total stranger, which is why I treat my patients with warmth and empathy. No one wants to feel like they are just another procedure or another dollar. I respect my patients and strive to provide compassionate care by building a trusting relationship with each of them.

By: Kristel Polder, M.D.

As dermatologists in Dallas, my colleague and I create consistently smooth and long-lasting results when performing laser hair removal. In fact, laser hair removal is one of the simplest ways to improve your appearance and your confidence. Here’s what patients can expect after treatment:

• Substantial reduction in unwanted hair: Your dermatologist or esthetician can cover extremely large areas with laser hair treatments, including the arms, legs, neck, face and back. After a few sessions, most patients will grow substantially less, if any, hair in the treated areas.
• Reduced need for waxing and shaving: Laser hair removal stops hair growth at the follicle, sparing you the inconvenience, pain and expense of hair removal methods such as waxing, tweezing or shaving.
• Soft, clear skin year-round: Laser hair removal targets the hair – not the skin. While you may feel some mild tingling during your treatment, the effect on your skin is minimal. After your series of treatments, your skin will be smooth and hair-free all year long.