INDORE: An increasing number of men in the city are not only going for routine salon visits for their personal upkeep, but are opting to go for a variety of advanced cosmeto-dermatological treatments , sometimes willing to spend much more than they can afford just to get the perfect physique.

According to figures provided by city-based aestheticians, past three years have seen an increase of about 30 to 40 per cent in young metrosexual population of the city, with laser hair reduction and skin lightening treatments being their favourite indulgences.

According to Dr Anil Dashore, a city-based dermato-cosmetologist and laser expert who runs Dr Dashore’s Skin, Hair and Laser Centre, said, "About 50% of our current clientele comprises men, most of them aged between 18 to 30 years. Most of these men come to us for laser hair removal. Three years back our laser procedures would mostly be used for medical conditions such as unwanted chin hair (females), with an occasional male client. But now we have as many as ten male clients going for full body hair removal procedures in one year."

He said laser facials for skin lightening and tightening, chemical peelings for skin glow and stem cell mesotherapy for balding and thinning hair strands have also garnered popularity among men. A boost in sale of skin lightening-products and sunscreens among men is indicative of desire for healthy skin care regimen to ensure longevity of these treatments.

Dr Sandeep Shilpi, consulting dermatologist at Kaya Skin Clinic, said, "This trend is being inspired by the onset of an early adolescence when pubescent teenage minds are influenced by film stars flaunting chiseled hairless bodies, and also an increase in purchasing power of upper middle class population in the city."

He also indicated that metrosexuals above 35 years of age, are splurging on botox fillers and anti-ageing facials. "A popular treatment among men wanting to reverse ageing is PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) Therapy, also popularized as ‘Vampire Facial’ by celebrities like Kim Kardashian. This involves reinjection of one’s own treated blood into the face or scalp for facial rejuvenation or hair growth," said Dr Shilpi.