Botox has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for cosmetic use since
This minimally invasive procedure involves injecting botulinum toxin produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum into your face. The injection relaxes the muscles in your face and minimizes the appearance of wrinkles.
Botox and other botulinum toxin injections are more popular now than ever. In 2018, there were more than 7.4 million of these procedures performed in the United States.
Although women still make up the majority of these procedures, “Brotox” is also becoming mainstream among men. Men in the United States get more than half a million botulinum toxin injections every year.
In this article, we’re going to look at why men are using Botox to turn back the clock. We’ll also break down the procedure and explain how to find a qualified doctor.
Women still dominate the market for cosmetic procedures, but the number of men getting work done is trending upward. Botox and other botulinum toxin injections like Dysport and Xeomin are some of the most popular anti-aging methods men.
Some factors that may be contributing to the increased popularity of Botox among men include:
- Workplace competitiveness. Many men report being motivated to get Botox to maintain their competitiveness against their younger co-workers. Many people feel that keeping a youthful appearance helps them fight against ageism in the workplace.
- Social media. The rise of social media and online dating apps may also be a motivating factor for some men who want to look their best for their online profiles.
- Encouragement from significant other. Some men may be motivated to get cosmetic procedures for their significant other.
The most popular reason men get Botox injections is to reduce facial wrinkles. Botox is also used to treat several health conditions, such as neck spasms, lazy eyes, and excessive sweating.
The most common places men get Botox is:
- in the corners of the eyes to prevent crow’s feet
- between the eyebrows to target frown lines
- in the forehead to reduce creases
- around the mouth to target laugh lines
Botox is usually performed at a doctor’s office. The procedure involves a series of botulinum toxin injections into your facial muscles.
Botulinum toxin is the same neurotoxin that can cause botulism, a potentially life threatening type of food poisoning. However, it’s generally safe when used in small and controlled doses by an experienced doctor.
After the injection, the neurotoxin inhibits the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Essentially, this inhibitory effect blocks the message from your nervous system that tells your muscles to contract and instead tells them to relax. This relaxation of your muscles is what reduces the appearance of wrinkles.
The effects of Botox are usually visible
It takes about 1 to 2 weeks for Botox to reach its peak effect. The effects of Botox aren’t permanent. Wrinkles will usually return within 3 to 4 months. If you want to maintain the same appearance, you’ll have to continue getting injections.
According to the Mayo Clinic, Botox injections are relatively safe when performed by an experienced doctor. Possible complications include:
In rare circumstances, the toxin used during the procedure can spread to other parts of your body. If you notice any of the following complications, you should immediately contact your doctor.
- loss of muscle control
- vision problems
- trouble speaking or swallowing
- trouble breathing
- loss of bladder control
People who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or allergic to cow’s milk should also avoid Botox. Your doctor will likely recommend avoiding lying down for several hours post-procedure.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average price of botulinum toxin injections in 2018 was $397. However, the cost of these injections varies widely based on several factors, such as the number of injections you need and your doctor’s experience.
If you’re getting the procedure for cosmetic reasons, your health insurance likely won’t cover the cost.
Botox injections should only be performed by a licensed medical professional. If the procedure isn’t performed correctly, it can cause potentially serious side effects, such as the toxin spreading to other parts of your body.
Botox is a very common procedure, and many clinics offer it. You can ask your doctor to recommend a clinic or you can also search online.
Before getting Botox, it’s a good idea to read online reviews of a clinic to see if other people are happy with their experience. You may also want to talk with someone who’s had the procedure to help inform your choice.
Once you’ve chosen a clinic, you can schedule a consultation. During your initial consultation, you may want to ask your doctor the following questions:
- What are the potential side effects of Botox?
- How long will my results last?
- Is Botox the best option for me?
- How much will it cost?
- What do I need to do after the procedure?
- What’s the recovery time?
More men are getting Botox today than ever before, as many feel that maintaining a youthful appearance helps them gain a competitive edge in the workplace.
Botox is generally considered safe. However, it’s important to have the procedure performed by a licensed medical professional to minimize the chances of potentially serious side effects, such as the toxin spreading to other parts of your body.