Posted: 09/02/08
Brianna Horan
It's not uncommon for men to skip their lunch breaks in favor of a facial, spend a Saturday at a cosmetic surgeon's office or stop at the massage table after a game of golf. Nationally, almost a third of all spa-goers are male -- a growing trend in which Pittsburgh men are happy to indulge.
"It's shocking. It's not always your stereotypical GQ kind of guy that's doing this," said Dr. Terrance R. Krysinski, who has seen his male clientele at the Cosmetic Laser Centers in Warrendale and Robinson increase by 500 percent over the last five years. "In fact, it's often times the opposite. They're regular guys who want to look good and feel better about the way they look."
It might be the growing popularity of magazines like GQ with impeccably styled male stars on the cover that erase the line between metrosexuality and masculinity to help men embrace the luxuries of spas and aesthetic procedures. Or perhaps it's the urging of a wife or girlfriend who knows the benefits of pampering. Whatever it is, it keeps the men coming back.
"Sometimes when men come in for their first visit, it's almost like watching a mom drag in a teenage son," says Scott Kerschbaumer of ESSpa Kozmetika Organic Skincare in Aspinwall. Any initial reluctance quickly fades, however, once men realize the relaxation, education and confidence that come with special treatment. "They start coming in all the time. Men are loyal clients."
Spas and cosmetic surgery centers around Pittsburgh are customizing packages and featuring services that are specially tailored to men. At Mec Barber Spa, a men-only salon and spa in Mt. Lebanon, flat-screen televisions hang on richly colored walls, and guests are served Heineken. In general, techniques and procedures are being refined and modified to be more effective on the thicker skin, tenser muscles and masculine features of men.
The treatments and services at these spas and cosmetic surgery centers are just what men have in mind when it comes to relaxation and looking good.
HAIRCUT BY A MASTER BARBER
WHERE: Mec Barber Spa for Men
This haircut begins with a hot towel infused with essential oils for the face. After a shampooing, conditioning and haircut, stress-relieving oils are massaged into the scalp. A trim of the brows and another shampoo finish off this old-fashioned treat. $25; 659 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon. 412-531-1498. www.mecbarberspa.com.
GENTLEMAN'S PEDICURE
WHERE: Golden Spoon Spa
Sit back in a comfortable spa chair and enjoy a foot soak in invigorating essential oils and relaxing pool jets. After nails and cuticles are trimmed and calluses are removed, a foot reflexology massage releases any leftover tension. $59 for 60 minutes; Double Tree Hotel Pittsburgh, 1 Bigelow Square, Downtown. 412-201-1784. www.goldenspoonspa.com.
LASER HAIR REMOVAL
WHERE: Center for Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery
Stubborn hair that grows on the back, shoulders, neck and even face are no match for the ELOS laser hair removal method. A dual-energy laser that uses light to heat hair follicles and radio frequencies to destroy them leaves behind smooth skin without the irritation of shaving or the pain of waxing. $1,000-$4,700, depending on area and number of treatments; 530 South St., Greensburg. 724-836-0400. www.cosmeticcontours.com.
EYELASH TINTING AND EYEBROW WAXING
WHERE: ESSpa Kozmetika Organic Skincare
Well-groomed eyebrows neatly frame a man's face, and the hard wax used at ESSpa Kozmetika, blended with natural anti-inflammatory agents, make hair removal a breeze. For an instant, refreshed look, eyelash tinting, available in a variety of colors, gives any face a naturally younger look. $30, eyelash tinting; $18-25, gentleman's eyebrow wax; 17 Brilliant Ave., Aspinwall. 412-782-3888. www.esspa.com.
WRINKLE MINIMIZATION
WHERE: Aestique Medical Center
Whether it's a more pronounced frown line, deeper crow's feet or a creased forehead, nothing gives away your age like wrinkles. Injections of BOTOX Cosmetic or Restylane smooth the face and quickly reduce the appearance of wrinkles. $200-$400, BOTOX; $600-1,000, Restylane; One Aesthetic Way, Greensburg. 800-832-6501. www.aestique.com.
SKIN TIGHTENING
WHERE: Cosmetic Laser Centers
Thermage Radiofrequency is a non-surgical facelift that not only requires no downtime, it delivers skin tightening over time for natural results. The radiofrequency technology restores the contours and youthful tone to a man's face without anyone suspecting he's had work done. $2,500-$3,500; 16000 Perry Highway Ste. 2, Warrendale or 6507 Robinson Center Drive, Robinson. 724-935-4200. www.cosmeticlasercenters.com.
EYELID LIFT
WHERE: Genesis Cosmetic Surgery & Day Spa
The eyes may be the window to the soul, but they don't always look as young as a middle-aged man feels. Droopy, baggy skin above and below the eyes is removed to reveal brighter eyes and a fresher face. Around $4,300; 1009 Beaver Grade Road, Moon. 412-262-4202. www.genesissurgery.com.
GENTLEMAN'S HOT TOWEL FACIAL
WHERE: Sewickley Spa
Perfect for a first-time visitor or a spa veteran, this facial covers everything from weather exposure to acne scarring, and includes a deep facial massage and an energizing custom masque. A hot towel on the face and neck opens pores for deep cleaning and exfoliation of dead skin cells. $80 for 50 minutes; 337 Beaver Street, Sewickley. 412-741-4240. www.sewickleyspa.com.
LIPODISSOLVE
WHERE: Skin Beautiful Medical Spa
Love handles and extra belly baggage are harder to battle with age. Micro-injections of LipoDissolve, a solution of enzymes and vitamins, can dissolve fat cells that diet and exercise can't touch. $400 per session; 2541 E. Carson St., South Side. 412-432-7909. www.skinbeautifulspa.com.
MYSTICAL MASSAGE
WHERE: Woodlands Spa at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort
The Mystical Massage begins with a consultation to determine the areas of the body that need special attention to deliver an individualized spa experience. The result is a custom 80-minute massage that combines elements of Swedish, deep tissue, Thai and hot stone techniques to melt away muscle tension and pain. $175; 1001 LaFayette Drive, Farmington. 724-329-8555. www.nwlr.com/woodlandsspa.
MALE BREAST REDUCTION
WHERE: Radiance Plastic Surgery
By extracting excess fat and tissue, this surgical procedure can produce a flatter, more defined chest on men of any age. $5,500-$6,000; 701 Boyce Road, Bridgeville. 412-220-8181. www.drcherup.com.
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