As we move towards more inclusive definitions of gender, the beauty industry is evolving. From skincare to makeup, brands are rethinking their positioning to be more aligned with gender-neutral messaging. But where does cosmetic medicine fit into this – and can clinics cater to the distinct needs of the trans community?

This year, at the New Zealand Society of Cosmetic Medicine‘s annual three-day conference, Clinic 42’s Dr Lynn Theron and Dr Joanne Romanowska demonstrated a world-first.

Cosmetic physicians understand masculine and feminine features and the techniques that can masculinise or feminise a face, says Dr Theron. Examples of the iconic female and male face include an oval versus square shape, arched versus horizontal eyebrows, prominent full cheeks and cheekbone versus square lower face and jaw, and full lips versus thin lips with wide-mouth, and rounded narrow short chin. “As for techniques, traditional antiaging dermal filler techniques for a woman will feminise a male face – and mistakes were made years ago when treating male patients,” says Dr Theron.

At this year’s conference, seeking to challenge learned techniques, Dr Theron and Dr Romanowska demonstrated live on stage the ability to change half of a male face into a feminine face and the other half into a more masculine face using exclusively dermal fillers.

“Gender can involve a person’s deep felt, personal and individual concept of the self as male, female, a blend of both or neither, which can also alter in time. It has become more fluid,” says Theron. From botulinum toxin to dermal fillers, this diversity is now achievable through ‘tweakments’, and carries the assurance of high safety standards, minimal risks, and little down time.

The demonstration highlighted the capabilities of cosmetic medicine and its power to drive further inclusivity in a historically traditional industry. Celebrating our individuality and being ‘happy in our own skin’ is something Dr Theron, and the team at Clinic 42, is incredibly passionate about. “We know when our outward appearance matches our perception of self it can improve self-esteem and quality of life.” It’s a shift she predicts will be big in cosmetic medicine as awareness of inclusivity and its importance continues to increase.

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