Aug
A major telltale sign of aging is fine lines and wrinkles on the forehead and around the eyes. For the past two decades, women have been lining up in droves to erase time with Botox. More recently, we’ve seen a healthy flow of guys coming to our office for help. In fact, Botox for men (aka Brotox) has become very popular.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported Botox as the number one minimally invasive procedure with over 7.7 million procedures completed. More than 470,000 were male, a 403% increase when compared to 2000. Similar increases are happening in procedures like chemical peels, and laser hair removal. And we’re here for it.
Here at Eternal Dermatology and Aesthetics, we believe that a youthful, refreshed appearance is not just for women. If you would like to improve that “angry” or “stern” look on your face, or simply want to look younger and wrinkle-free, then Botox may be for you.
Botox Cosmetic is not limited by gender. While women mostly use Botox, it’s a safe and effective procedure for men too. Botox contains the Botulinum Type A neuromodulator. When applied in small units, the neuromodulator reduces the connection between the muscles, nerves and the brain. The muscles in the face are more relaxed and don’t move as much, significantly reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Botox is one of a few FDA approved brands on the market. Other neuromodulators include Dysport, Xeomin, and Juveau. Rest assured, they are all safe when used by a board-certified dermatologist.
Men are expected to age gracefully, their fine lines and wrinkles a sign of wisdom. But these are different times. Men are more aware of their wrinkles and fine lines. What was a mirror for women years ago is a selfie for men today. In the era of the image, men too want to look better.
The average age of men using Botox is 40. Some guys are going through the second stage of their lives. Others are back on the dating scene after a divorce. They want to look as young as they feel. Some men have important events and opportunities and a young, fresh appearance can make all the difference.
Even men in their late 20s and 30s are using preventative Botox treatments. In the age of social media, some men’s looks are tied to their brand. Treatment with injectables has the biggest return on investment when compared to age-defying creams and serums.
Most men want help with those deep lines running across their forehead every time they raise their eyebrows. Others want to reduce the appearance of Glabella lines (the short lines between the eyebrows and center of the forehead, aka “the eleven”). There are other effective uses of Botox including Crow’s feet. For starters, speak with us about the areas that are most concerning. From there, we can provide recommendations in terms of location and dosage.
Speaking of dosage, Botox, Dysport, and other injectables are measured in units. There are recommended units for each part of the face, which can have slight variations due to reasons like the number of past treatments. On average, men have larger, stronger muscles in the face than women. As a result, men usually need more of the injectable per unit.
Despite needing more units compared to women, Botox for men lasts the same timeframe. On average, the injectable lasts 3-4 months. Botox starts to take effect within 5 days, reaching its peak after 14 days.
Botox can be administered in less than 15 minutes so that your day is not disrupted, and there is no downtime. After this “lunchtime facelift” you simply go about your day. Then over the next week, your face will become increasingly smooth and refreshed.
If you’re a first-time patient, your dermatologist may use a bit less, to get a gauge of the effectiveness of the neuromodulator. With a 2 week follow up, we can then adjust the units accordingly. With continued trips after each period, we will have a better relationship with you and your needs, providing the dosage to give you the best results. You will even start to see the long term effects and need fewer visits.
When done by an expert injector, Botox can help a man’s face to become more relaxed, pleasant, and youthful. Friends and family will comment that you look rested, younger, and refreshed. You’ll also see the difference in those selfies! It’s important to consult and seek treatment from a board-certified dermatologist. Botox and other injectables are widely available and used by different beauty clinics in the country. The wrong dosage, diluted treatment, or an incorrectly injected area can bring the opposite effect, giving that unnatural, frozen look.
Talking about the frozen face was not meant to scare men out of Botox. However, it’s important to note that there are side effects and risks, as with any procedure. Common side effects include pain at the injected area or a feeling of heaviness. Avoid rubbing the area or lying down, or exercising right after treatment, so that the injectable stays in place. Overall, Botox is one of the safest procedures around with high success and safety measures over the decades.
While some men love the cosmetic effects of Botox, most just want to look refreshed, and relaxed, with softer lines and a smoother appearance. Despite the increase in men choosing Botox, there is still a bit of stigma surrounding it. Mainstream media, for instance, use terms like “Brotox” to sound more acceptable with guys.
We see no need to place a label on something that’s natural for both men and women; the signs of aging and wanting to do something about it.
We get several male clients who love the effects of Botox on both their looks and confidence!
If you’d like to join this group of men who enjoy an eternally youthful glow with the help of Botox or Jeuveau, please give us a call or book online.