The stigma that once surrounded male cosmetic procedures has largely evaporated in recent years, with over 150,000 men receiving Botox injections in the most recent year that statistics were kept, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
Some common reasons that men choose to undergo Botox treatment include:
- To remain competitive with younger work colleagues
- Wanting to enhance dating prospects
- To appear more youthful and energetic
Even some younger guys, who are not yet experiencing any signs of facial aging, are seeking out Botox treatment to stave off the early development of wrinkles that can give away their age, or worse yet, make them appear older than their actual age.
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Benefits of Botox for Men:
- Minimally invasive technique
- Boosts self-confidence
- Natural-looking results when performed by a skilled practitioner
What is Botox?
Botox is an injectable liquid containing a safe type of natural toxin called botulinum. The product is able to diminish, or remove, certain types of facial wrinkles. It also has some medical uses in treating those suffering from migraine headaches or hyperhidrosis – a condition that causes excessive sweating.
Botox is manufactured under very strict, controlled medical conditions. It has an excellent safety profile and remains where it is injected, instead of traveling throughout the body and causing systemic effects.
How it Works
Botox works quite a bit differently than injectables like facial fillers. While fillers focus upon adding facial volume to reduce lines and wrinkles, Botox is injected into underlying facial muscles that produce so-called “dynamic wrinkles.” These are the types of wrinkles that are commonly found on the forehead and between the eyebrows.
Once injected, Botox begins to reduce the muscle contractions of the treated muscles. Essentially, the injections block nerve transmissions from the brain to the injected muscles, preventing them from forming wrinkles on the skin’s surface.
What it Treats
Men most commonly get Botox injections in the following places:
- Forehead for reducing creases
- Around the mouth for reducing laugh lines
- Between the eyebrows to minimze frown lines
- At the corners of each eye for preventing crows feet
What to Expect
Getting Botox injections is a fairly simple process. Here is what to expect:
Initial Consultation
This is when you will meet with your practitioner to determine if Botox is right for you. You will be asked about any of your current medical conditions, as well as if you are taking any prescription medications or supplements that could have an impact upon your treatment.
Your practitioner will ask you about your treatment goals and expectations before recommending a specific treatment plan, including how many units of Botox will be used, and what you should do before and after your treatment.
Botox Administration
Your practitioner will first clean your skin using alcohol and possibly apply a numbing agent. They will use a marker to mark your injection sites and then administer the injections, which should only take a few minutes.
Answers (For Our Male Audience)
Here are a few of the most common questions that men ask about Botox treatment:
Are there any side effects with Botox?
It is normal to experience some degree of swelling, redness, bruising, or tenderness at the treatment sites, all of which should fade rapidly within a few days to one week.
How long before I notice results?
Most men begin noticing results from their Botox injections in about one to four days. You may experience some minor bruising after your injections, and your practitioner may advise you to avoid strenuous physical activity and the consumption of alcohol for at least one day.
How long does Botox last?
The peak effects of Botox usually become evident in a week or two. Although Botox produces nice anti-aging effects, it won’t last forever. Men typically begin noticing some gradual return of facial muscle movement at about the three-month mark. To maintain your Botox results, you’ll need to have another treatment session in about three or four months after your initial injections.
