Botox for Men

What do men need to know about turning back the clock with BOTOX®?

"I'll admit that my wife dragged me to my first BOTOX® appointment, but I have religiously gone on my own accord every 3 and half months from that appointment on because I love my results," laughs Craig, a 43-year-old lawyer from St. Louis Park, MN. "I know guys don't talk about this kind of stuff very openly, but I think we have just as much right as the women out there to pursue treatments that make us look and feel our best," he smiles. "I think it's time that some of the taboo was stripped away from these cosmetic procedures so men can feel more comfortable seeking treatment!"

As it turns out, Craig is not alone. In a recent study released by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the number of men receiving treatment with neurotoxin muscle relaxers totaled 435,281 in 2016. An earlier study by the same organization sites that the number of men getting injections increased 337 percent since the year 2000. What's contributing to this dramatic rise?

"Many of my BOTOX® for men patients simply want to look as young as they feel," says Katie McClellan, a Certified Physician Assistant, and owner of Infinite Youth Medical Spa. "Others feel that looking younger gives them a competitive edge in the workplace as well," she continues. "Whether we like it or not, we live in a society that celebrates a youthful appearance. Many men already workout hard at the gym to keep their bodies in great shape, so why shouldn't they be caring for their complexions as well? Subtle BOTOX® treatments can give men a wonderfully natural, refreshed look and literally turn back the clock on aging."

What is BOTOX®?

I heard it was a toxin! BOTOX® is a highly refined protein derived from Clostridium botulinum, an organism found in the natural environment where it is mostly inactive and non-toxic. For cosmetic purposes, it is used in tiny and safe doses.

How does BOTOX® for Men help wrinkles?

Do you see a deep groove between your eyebrows when you furrow them? Does that line stay when your brows are at rest? That's because as muscles contract over and over again they cause the collagen and elastic of the overlying skin to break down. This, in turn, creates a wrinkle.

BOTOX® for men wrinkles works by preventing the muscles that cause these contractions to soften and weaken. The little receptors on these muscles lose the ability to receive the signal from your brain to contract for up to 4 months. This makes BOTOX® not only useful in smoothing the wrinkles you have, but also preventing new ones from forming!

Who should a guy go to for BOTOX® injections?

Don't trust your face to just anyone! BOTOX® injections are a medical treatment and should only be administered by someone with a medical license, like an RN or MD or PA. Also, this person should have specialized training in the cosmetic injection techniques needed to achieve great results with BOTOX®.

Is BOTOX® for men more expensive than women?

"Men tend to have thicker skin and stronger facial muscles," explains Katie. "For example, to treat that line between your eyebrows will typically require anywhere from 20-24 units of BOTOX® for women and 22-28 units for men," she continues. "It's not that it's more expensive for men, it's just that they need more units of BOTOX® to achieve the same results."

Generally speaking, BOTOX® is priced per unit. Depending on where you live and the experience of your provider, that unit price can range anywhere from $11/unit all the way up to $20/unit. It's wise to avoid the cheapest offer as this may indicate a practice is diluting its product or importing a product that our FDA has not approved.

"I advise all of my patients to join Allergan's Brilliant Distinctions Rewards program," says Katie. "It allows you to earn points with each BOTOX®, dermal filler, or KYBELLA™ appointment and trade those points in for cash discounts towards future treatments."

What should I expect with BOTOX®? Will I look effeminate?

"To be honest, your first injections are like a long wind-up for a fast pitch," laughs Katie. "The treatment is so quick and painless that many people don't even realize that it began and is already over!"

After a thorough consultation to ensure that you are a good candidate for BOTOX® for men, your provider will have you sit upright in a treatment chair. She may mark a few areas on your face with a white wax pencil and even apply some ice at the injection sites. A very tiny, fine needle will then be used to administer the BOTOX®. Some people may notice a slight sting, but for the most part, the injection is barely noticeable.

Immediately after your 10-15-minute treatment, you may have slight redness and swelling at the injections site, but this will subside within an hour. It is important not to press on these areas as you may migrate the BOTOX® to another area of the face. Your provider may also advise you not to go to the gym for the next 24 hours while the product "sets."

Your BOTOX® results may take up to two weeks to be fully realized. Before that time, you will notice that it becomes harder to contract the treated muscles as they being to relax and smooth. This may feel strange and heavy at first, but that feeling will go away.

Your results are very dependent upon the skill level of your provider as well. An experienced injector will ensure that your results look natural and maintain your masculinity. Most people will simply comment on how rested and refreshed you look. As the saying goes, "everyone will notice, but no one will know."

Do I have to come back for more BOTOX®?

Yes. BOTOX® is not permanent. As Craig mentioned earlier, the ideal time to come back for your next BOTOX® treatment is every 3 to 4 months to keep your results looking consistently smooth. At this time, the product will be wearing off, and your muscles will grow new nerve receptors to receive the signal to contract from your brain.

"I know that some men are intimidated when it comes to pursuing cosmetic procedures like BOTOX® because society may send them messages that this is vain, or feminine," says Katie. "But, I tell them that wanting to look and feel their best is both healthy and normal," she continues. "We live in a day and age when small, non-invasive treatments like BOTOX® can keep you looking youthful, natural, and vital for years! Who wouldn't want to take advantage of that?!"

Are you a man who has been thinking about BOTOX® for men? Would you like to discuss how this treatment can be used to refresh or enhance your features? Schedule a discreet and complimentary consultation with Katie McClellan, PA-C, owner of Infinite Youth Medical Spa to discuss your options!