The standard view used to be that only women really cared about their appearance and sought beauty enhancements, while men were content to let nature take its course. However, cosmetic skin care procedures such as Botox are becoming increasingly popular for men.
Here’s a look at why this is the case, and the Botox procedures at our Windsor skin clinic that are available to men (and of course every other suitable candidate).
Why guys are getting more cosmetic treatments
There are several possible explanations for the rise in popularity of Botox and other non-surgical cosmetic treatments among men.
Social media
The influence of social media is difficult to ignore: most of us now have to get used to seeing our own image on screen. Even people who avoid posting photos of themselves find it difficult to avoid occasionally appearing as part of a group picture.
Many men understandably want to look their best for dating site profiles, and also in person for dates and other social occasions. Botox treatments can boost their confidence when seeking personal relationships and other social situations, helping them to feel more at ease and open to life’s possibilities.
Career advancement
For some men, maintaining a youthful and less stressed out appearance in the workplace is important, whether to remain competitive with younger colleagues, or help them feel more confident with clients or to pursue advancement in their career.
Ageing gracefully
Men as well as women want to feel good about themselves as they age, and it is now more socially acceptable for men to take an interest in their appearance. This has led to more men seeking enhancements that do not dramatically alter their looks, but help them to combat the more obvious signs of ageing with natural looking treatments.
There is now no stigma around male cosmetic treatments: it is seen as part of a regular self-care routine, as normal as getting a haircut or going to the gym. Many male celebrities are perfectly happy to discuss their Botox treatments, further helping to reshape outdated attitudes towards male grooming.
How Botox can benefit men
Smooth brows for bros
Men are prone to developing forehead lines, which can make them tired, stressed, and older than their biological age. Botox injections help to temporarily relax the underlying muscles that are causing the deep wrinkles, and are ideal for smoothing out the forehead. Botox can also ease frown lines between the eyebrows, helping to open out the face.
Men also often develop crow’s feet around the corners of their eyes as they age, and Botox can help to soften out these wrinkles, resulting in a more refreshed appearance. The treatment can also be used to smooth out the chin and cheeks, helping the face to look more defined.
Other uses for Botox
Botox may also be used to address other concerns such as teeth grinding (bruxism), excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) and migraines. Men who are interested in using Botox for these purposes are advised to seek professional medical advice first, to rule out any underlying causes for the condition and check if the treatment is suitable for them.
What to expect from your first Botox treatment
Botox is short for botulinum toxin, a substance that is toxic in large quantities, but safe to use in small amounts. It works by blocking the specific nerve signals that cause the muscles to contract, leading to smoother looking skin. The effects will last for between three to six months.
The procedure is usually quick and pain-free, although some patients may experience mild discomfort in the area being treated. The clinician will use a fine needle to inject small amounts of Botox, and they may ask you to deliberately wrinkle your face to exaggerate the area that is being treated.
Downtime is minimal; you can leave as soon as the treatment is complete. You may notice some slight redness or bruising at the injection site, but this will resolve itself within a day or two. You should avoid exercise for 24 hours after the injection, and avoid putting undue pressure or lying down on the treated area for at least four hours.
