Brotox: What is it and why is it popular?

Cosmetic procedures aren't just for women anymore. More men are now turning to Botox to help boost their confidence, sex lives and careers.

"Brotox" is a tongue-in-cheek reference to the fact that botulinum toxin injections have become much more popular among men. It's a play on the popular brand name, Botox. According to statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, over 265,000 botulinum toxin treatments were administered to men in 2020. This trend may just be here to stay.

What is Botox used for?

Botox is an FDA-approved neurotoxin that freezes muscle tissue in the targeted injection sites. This helps to relax wrinkles, improve facial contours and prevent fine lines from deepening over time.

It's most commonly used to treat the following cosmetic issues:

• Crow's feet
• Frown lines
• Drooping brows
• Forehead creases
• Sagging mouth lines

Why are men getting Botox?

Aesthetic treatments are often seen as something that only women do to look younger. However, men account for more and more aesthetic procedures than before as they realize that simple cosmetic procedures can help them look and feel their best.

Radiating youthful vigor can be a major asset in dating, careers, social media and other aspects of a man's life. As the stigma of cosmetic treatments continues to diminish, men are more open to and interested in Botox than ever before.

Who is a good candidate for Botox?

Botox is a quick, minimally invasive procedure that is great for a wide range of people. In general, men who meet the following criteria are excellent candidates for Botox:

• Physically healthy
• No history of neuromuscular disease
• At least 18 years old
• No known egg allergies

Good candidates for Botox injections will also have reasonable, healthy expectations about the results Botox can offer. Men who are unsure should schedule a consultation with an experienced board-ceritifed plastic surgeon to discuss their goals and the results they hope to achieve.

What results can men expect from Botox?

Like many nonsurgical aesthetic treatments, the results from Botox are temporary but in general, results can last four to six months on average.

Men should also expect to need more units of Botox than women simply because their muscle tissue is thicker and more robust.

In most cases, Botox treatments take less than an hour to complete and have no real downtime. Some bruising and swelling around the injection site is normal, but it typically resolves quickly.

Men can expect to see fine lines and shallow wrinkles disappear, and deeper furrows should look less pronounced and less noticeable. In addition, Botox can help prevent the formation of new wrinkles due to repetitive motions and facial expressions.

Let a plastic surgeon help boost your confidence

Regardless of why you choose to get Botox, it's always best to seek out a board-certified plastic surgeon for the procedure. Some dermatologists and estheticians may advertise Botox services, but choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon is the better, safer choice as they adhere to strict safety practices.

Accredited plastic surgeons have more experience and training in administering cosmetic injections. In addition, they can often recommend better alternatives or complementary treatments if Botox alone will not achieve your goals.

Men are becoming more open to the idea of cosmetic enhancements, and there should be no shame or stigma attached to doing something that improves your appearance, confidence and overall chances of success in life.