Maintaining healthy cholesterol and blood pressure is a common recommendation for healthy aging. Regular physical activity further supports this goal. Yet, as interest in longevity rises, some older adults focus on looking and feeling attractive as they age. This pursuit, described by some as striving for ‘hotness,’ is influenced by psychological factors, including a disconnect between one’s self-image and actual appearance.

Dr. Krishna Vyas, a plastic surgeon, mentions that age isn’t the primary concern. Instead, it’s when people see themselves in the mirror and feel disconnected from the person they perceive themselves to be. This psychological friction leads those interested in aesthetic interventions to seek treatments.

“It’s when you look in the mirror and you’re like, ‘I don’t recognize myself,'” Vyas explains.

Men are increasingly participating in cosmetic procedures, now accounting for about 15% of all such treatments. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, diminished social barriers have contributed to this rise. Vyas notes that past stigmas surrounding men seeking aesthetic or appearance-enhancing treatments have significantly reduced.

‘Looksmaxxing’—a term popular on social media—refers to enhanced efforts to improve physical appearance. Men pursue this for various reasons, including maintaining competitiveness in workplaces dominated by youth, or addressing aging signs like dark under-eye circles and jawline definition loss. Treatments range from Botox and laser therapy to surgeries like chest masculinization and liposuction.

Vyas cautions that minimally invasive treatments, while popular, are not without risks. Excessive use can alter the normal layers and contours of facial tissue.

Five Steps to Enhance Physical Appearance

Before resorting to aesthetic procedures as quick fixes, Vyas suggests implementing these steps:

• Eliminate nicotine: Complete abstinence from nicotine aids in maintaining circulation and prevents skin breakdown.
• Stick to skincare: Use essentials recommended by experts: morning sunscreen to block UV rays and a topical retinoid to stimulate cell turnover at night.
• Manage weight: Maintaining a healthy weight helps avoid inflammation linked to metabolic syndrome and acceleration of skin aging.
• Address hair loss early: Intervene early with treatments like FDA-approved finasteride and minoxidil to maintain hair density.
• Stay active: Exercise, both aerobic and strength training, is crucial for overall physical wellness.

The focus on combining aesthetic goals and healthy aging should begin with the basics. Establishing a solid foundation in health practices is crucial. As Dr. Vyas points out, the basics are intimately related to both healthspan—years free from disease—and ‘hotspan,’ the period feeling physically attractive.

Khloe Quill, a lifestyle writer at Fox News Digital, covers food, drink, travel, and health topics.