Botox is the number one anti-aging treatment among women. But did you know that it's becoming more and more popular with men? According to a study in Cosmetic Dermatology, the number of American men getting Botox injections-which relaxes the facial muscles to minimize lines and wrinkles-has skyrocketed 258 percent over the past decade or so. Men who have tried Botox look better and feel more confident. Why? It seems that men are much more open and proactive about addressing appearance-related concerns. And men who have tried Botox look better, feel better, and believe it gives them a competitive edge in the job market. There's also less of a stigma associated with cosmetic procedures nowadays. Are you considering giving Botox a try? We'll tell you everything you need to know, including:
  • Choosing the right doctor
  • What to expect from your first procedure
  • Any considerations and aftercare instructions
But first, let's discuss how Botox for men works. To put it simply, Botox is a neurotoxin that works by attaching itself to nerve endings. Once this happens, the neurotransmitter responsible for triggering muscle contractions, called acetylcholine, can't be released. Essentially, Botox injections temporarily relax the facial muscles that underlie and cause wrinkles. This is also why wrinkles caused by sun damage and gravity don't respond to Botox treatments.

Choose Your Doc with Care

BrotoxMake sure you choose a doctor who specializes in Botox for men because there are significant differences in the outcome of injectables in women and men. Your doctor should take into account your muscle mass, muscle fiber pattern, and hair distribution. Although exact dosage regimens do not yet exist, there is widespread consensus that men require higher doses of Botox than their female counterparts. Your doctor should consider the anatomical differences between male and female faces as well. The main anatomical difference is those female eyebrows are naturally arched, while those belonging to men are horizontal. If a man has Botox under the eyebrows, it will feminize his looks. Experts agree that the best use of Botox on male faces is to soften the deep creases that form between the brows that can make a man look unintentionally sad and angry. Baldness is another factor men should consider before using Botox. A balding man can have lines that appear much higher on his face than if he were a woman. Doctors should adjust the treatment area accordingly. Men also have flatter faces than women, so they should be wary of filling any deep crevices in the skin and increasing lost volume; doing so can feminize their appearance. While thinning lips age men, in particular, filling them intends to look very obvious and feminine. Lip augmentation in men requires the greatest degree of caution and expertise. Remember that subtlety is key when it comes to Botox. Most men don't want others, especially co-workers, to notice they've had work done.

What to Expect from Your First Botox Procedure

Men choose Botox because it's quick, relatively painless, and there's no downtime involved. But you'll have to take certain precautions before undergoing a Botox treatment. Ten days before receiving Botox injections, you'll be asked to refrain from taking products that contain aspirin, ibuprofen and vitamin E - doing so will significantly reduce the chance of bruising following treatment. Six to eight injections will be administered into the underlying muscles Don't let these precautions scare you, though. The best part about undergoing Botox is that it's quick and painless. You'll generally receive a consultation beforehand to determine the best treatment for your needs. And when you do undergo treatment, a topical numbing gel will be applied fifteen minutes prior. Six-to-eight injections will be administered into the underlying muscles. Most people say that the injections feel similar to getting vaccinated-that is, they feel only a few seconds of mild discomfort as the Botox enters the injection site. A few hours afterward, the injection site may look red and feel irritated. Immediately following the injections, you'll be required to contract the treated muscles. Your physician will ask you to frown, raise your eyebrows and smile and pucker your lips. It sounds silly, but this helps to evenly distribute the Botox throughout the injection site. Your physician will also tell you to refrain from exercising, bending over, lying down or rubbing the area for the first 24-48 hours after treatment. This ensures that the Botox settles in the right place and doesn't migrate elsewhere. Failure to do so can potentially result in facial paralysis and eyelid drooping--and who wants that? Are you ready to save face with Botox? LaserAway hires only the most highly trained staff experienced and certified in administering laser and other dermatological procedures. What's more, LaserAway uses only innovative techniques and cutting-edge laser technology. LaserAway aims to make your medical spa experience comfortable, enjoyable and satisfying. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today.