Botox for men, or “Brotox,” is a thing. Med spas report that more male patients are coming in for facial enhancements and body contouring treatments.
Let’s look at what the popular neurotoxin injectable can do for men’s skin and the advantages and disadvantages of the procedure.
Why Do Men Get Botox?
Men are mainly becoming interested in Botox to rejuvenate their look or prevent early signs of aging.
Note: Learn more about preventative Botox, including who can get it and when is the best time to get started with treatments.
They’re not typically willing to admit they’ve had any facial skin work done, so they want the enhancements to be as natural-looking as possible.
Women have a much longer track record of using beauty products and cosmetic enhancements. What has made Botox so appealing to men as of late?
1. Social Media Standards
Social media has impacted how we view ourselves in comparison with others. We’re exposed to new beauty standards to which both men and women aspire.
2. Competitive Dating Game
Dating has moved online, where profile photos are an important factor. This is another reason men strive to minimize imperfections whenever possible.
3. Competition at Work
Working with younger colleagues sometimes puts pressure on men to compete with them in areas other than work-related skills. They resort to cosmetic treatments that give them an edge in physical appearance.
4. Influence of Loved Ones
Having experienced the benefits of cosmetic treatments, some women want the same for their loved ones. They are often the ones to call med spas to book a treatment for their partner, son, or a close friend.
Is Botox for Men Different Than Botox for Women?
The same neurotoxin, Botox, is used on both men and women. However, the dosage may differ. Men may need more Botox units than women for the same treatment area due to thicker skin and higher muscle density.
Another difference in the procedure is that Botox injectors need to pay attention to the dosage and the position of injection sites to avoid relaxing a muscle in a way that makes a more feminine look (for example, brows that are lifted too high).
Note: Learn how to recognize the signs of too much Botox.
Popular Botox Injection Sites for Men
Botox areas men typically opt for are:
- Frown lines between the eyes
- Crow’s feet
- Forehead lines
Botox for Men: The Procedure
Before performing the procedure, the Botox provider will schedule a consultation with the patient to determine whether they have any medical or other circumstances that may prevent them from getting Botox (such as Botox allergies, Botox resistance, or other medical conditions).
They will also ask the patient about their expectations, estimate the number of units needed, and provide instructions on what to do before and after the treatment to ensure optimal results and prevent any side effects.
The procedure itself consists of the following steps:
- The Botox injector prepares the skin by cleaning it with alcohol and possibly numbing the treatment area with a numbing cream.
- They mark the injection sites with a marker along the intended muscle. Experienced Botox injectors know exactly how far apart to space the injection sites and how many injection sites are needed for the desired effects.
- They then administer the Botox injections, which takes a few minutes.
Some medical providers spend a few minutes gently massaging or applying pressure on the treated area to prevent bruising and swelling and help the neurotoxin settle.
Patients can resume their daily activities right after the Botox session.
Botox for Men: Side Effects
Swelling and bruising after Botox are the two most common Botox side effects and they usually go away within two weeks.
Severe side effects are rare, and should they occur, the patient should seek immediate medical assistance.
Note: Follow our Botox aftercare tips to ensure you get the best results after the treatment and minimize the chances of side effects.
Botox for Men: Pros and Cons
Botox injections are increasingly popular because they are quick, safe, and visibly rejuvenate the skin. To decide if the treatment is right for you, consider the following Botox pros and cons.
Pros
- Reduces the appearance of lines
- Improves skin tone
- Provides a more youthful look
- Minimally invasive with no downtime
- Safe, with minor side effects that quickly go away
Cons
- Effects are temporary
- Cannot reverse Botox if you’re unhappy with the results, must wait until the effects wear off
How Long Does Botox for Men Last?
A Botox treatment for one area takes only a few minutes. The duration of the whole session depends on the number of treated areas.
The effects of Botox last up to six months. They typically start wearing off after three to four months. You should repeat the procedure every 3 months to maintain your results.
How Much Does Botox for Men Cost?
At Vibrant Skin Bar, a unit of Botox costs $12.50. The cost of a Botox session depends on the treated area and the patient’s desired effects. For example, the forehead area may require 12-30 units, so the whole session could cost up to $375.
Conclusion
Most men are still unwilling to admit they use cosmetic treatments, but more and more of them are embracing what Botox can do for their looks. Thanks to the easy availability of modern cosmetic enhancements, men are joining women in enjoying rejuvenated skin and a youthful appearance.
