If you’re like many men, you’ve heard of Botox® and other neurotoxins that doctors use to improve a person’s appearance – but is there Botox for men, and what can you use it for? This guide explains.
Botox for Men: What Can You Get Done?
Botox, like any other medical treatment, works for men as well as women. In fact, there’s a good chance that you know a man who’s had Botox injections – even if he hasn’t told you about them. Doctors use these injections to temporarily relax the facial muscles that cause wrinkles; the toxin prevents signals from the brain that tell muscles to tense.
There’s been a 182 percent increase in men getting Botox and other neurotoxin injections since 2000, and that number is only rising. Botulinum toxin is, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the most commonly used minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that men choose. (Another very common procedure men have is laser skin resurfacing, which has seen a 482 percent increase since 2020, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.)
The bottom line is that many men are choosing minimally invasive procedures rather than plastic surgery, which requires much longer down time and comes with more risk.
Technical Stuff: What is Botox?
Botox is made from botulinum toxin, which is produced in nature by clostridium botulinum bacteria. In large doses – much larger than what’s used in cosmetic procedures – it’s dangerous. However, in the miniscule amounts used for cosmetic procedures, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says it’s safe.
Related: Is Botox safe?
What Can Botox Do for Men?
Botox is used in a wide range of procedures for men, including treatments for excessive sweating (called hyperhidrosis), chronic migraine treatments, chronic eyelid twitching (called myokymia), and cosmetic enhancements, such as wrinkle treatments, brow lifts to correct “11” lines and drooping eyelids, and neck lifts. There are a number of other procedures, as well, such as lip flips, that you can consult with your doctor about if you’re interested in all the Botox applications that may be right for you.
Botox for Excessive Sweating
Many men choose Botox to address excessive sweating. Because excessive sweating – hyperhidrosis, in scientific terms – can be embarrassing and socially isolating, Botox is one way to tackle the problem head-on. Your doctor can inject Botox in specific areas to block nerve signals responsible for sweating.
Botox for Wrinkles
The most common use of Botox for men is to address wrinkles. The neurotoxin can reduce facial wrinkles, particularly around the outer eyes (known as crow’s feet), between the brows to target frown lines, in the forehead to reduce creases, and around the mouth to minimize laugh lines. It’s even possible to improve neck wrinkles and those around the lower face in a procedure called a Nefertiti lift.
Related: The ultimate guide to smooth skin through dermaplaning
How Long Does Botox Last in Men?
Generally, the results from a cosmetic Botox treatment will last between 3 and 6 months. Procedures performed with Botox aren’t meant to be permanent (though neither are cosmetic surgeries; most of those last around 10 years). Many men choose Botox cosmetic treatment procedures because they don’t want invasive procedures like surgery, and because they want a quick fix with no downtime.
You’ll see full results from a Botox treatment within 10 to 14 days after having the procedure. It takes time for the neurotoxin to work on your muscles.
Related: Can you use peroxide to treat acne?
Ready to Talk About Botox for Men in Ann Arbor?
Our Ann Arbor med spa can help you get the look you want, from clear and youthful skin to fat reduction. Call or text us at 734-249-8722 or fill out the form below to get in touch.
