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Next time you head to your provider for your regular injectable appointment, don\u2019t be surprised if you see more men than usual in the waiting area. \u201cBrotox\u201d is becoming increasingly common in men\u2019s self-care routines. According to Fresha, Google Trends data shows searches for \u201cmale Botox\u201d are up 100 percent year over year.<\/p>\n
And it\u2019s not just searches that are increasing. There\u2019s also been a noticeable rise in men actually making appointments (up 13 percent in North America and 76 percent in Europe), including repeat bookings\u2014signaling routine-based treatments rather than one-off experiments. Even more interestingly, this shift is largely driven by late Gen Z and early millennial men aged 26 to 34.<\/p>\n
What\u2019s driving this change? Is it shifting public perception, easier access, more open dialogue or a combination of factors? Regardless, it\u2019s clear the stigma around injectables for men is fading, and more men are taking their skin care and anti-aging routines to the next level. Read on for everything to know about brotox, including who\u2019s a good candidate, which areas of the face men are getting injected, what kind of results to expect and more.<\/p>\n
Brotox is growing in popularity among younger men as they take a more proactive approach to their skin-aging regimens. \u201cThere\u2019s been a cultural shift where men are much more comfortable viewing aesthetic treatments as a form of routine self-care and general maintenance, similar to fitness or grooming,\u201d says San Francisco facial plastic surgeon Amit Arunkumar, MD. \u201cFor younger men, especially, the motivation is often preventative. They\u2019re looking to maintain a fresh, energetic appearance rather than correct deep lines later.\u201d<\/p>\n
It also comes down to self-perception. In a time of so much virtual work and online content, \u201cYounger men today are more aware of how they look on camera, whether that\u2019s on social media, dating apps or video calls,\u201d says New York facial plastic surgeon Konstantin Vasyukevich, MD. \u201cWhen they see themselves in photos or on screen, they often notice lines that make them appear tired or angry. Botox has become a simple way to soften those expressions and maintain a relaxed appearance.\u201d<\/p>\n
Both surgeons report seeing more men in this younger age group coming to their offices for treatment. And, as Fresha\u2019s data suggests, the stigma is certainly wearing off in the category. \u201cThe most common story I hear is that they had a close friend or colleague who tried neuromodulators and liked the results, so they decided to give it a try,\u201d says Dr. Arunkumar.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re wondering what kind of results to expect, here\u2019s what you can prepare yourself for: \u201cThe treatment softens dynamic wrinkles and can create a more relaxed, refreshed appearance while still preserving natural expression,\u201d says Dr. Arunkumar. \u201cFor younger men especially, it can also slow the formation of deeper static wrinkles over time.\u201d<\/p>\n
In line with their desire for subtle, natural results, brotox patients generally aren\u2019t asking to freeze their face. \u201cMany patients are keen to maintain normal facial movement and expression,\u201d says Dr. Arunkumar. \u201cThe goal is to look well-rested and relaxed rather than \u2018treated.\u2019 Maintaining masculine brow positioning is particularly important.\u201d<\/p>\n
If it\u2019s your first time getting a neurotoxin injected, know that the results are quick, but not immediate. \u201cMost patients start to see results within three to five days, with full effect at about two weeks,\u201d says Dr. Arunkumar.<\/p>\n
While older patients may come to a provider hoping to erase deep lines or turn back the clock on aging, younger patients often have different goals. With brotox, \u201cMost younger men are not trying to change their appearance,\u201d says Dr. Vasyukevich. \u201cThey simply want to soften lines that can make them look stern or unapproachable.\u201d<\/p>\n
Part of your appointment time should include a thorough consultation with your provider to examine face shape, desired results, facial expressions and more. From there, you and your provider can discuss where and how much neurotoxin will be injected. <\/p>\n
Though it will vary from person to person, \u201cMen generally require more units than women because their facial muscles are typically stronger and thicker,\u201d says Dr. Arunkumar, who adds that the exact number depends on anatomy and treatment goals but often ends up being about 20 to 30 percent more than women. \u201cFor both men and women, the number of units is determined by strength and size of facial muscles, goals for their treatment and response to prior treatments.\u201d<\/p>\n
Again, because everyone is different, you can\u2019t put an exact label on how many units of neurotoxin someone will need, but \u201cOn average, I use about 50 units of Botox, as men typically have strong facial muscles,\u201d says Dr. Vasyukevich. A quick note: Despite the nickname brotox, providers may use any of the neurotoxins currently on the market, including Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, Jeuveau or Daxxify.<\/p>\n
Both doctors agree that the most commonly treated areas are the frown lines between the eyebrows (the \u201811s\u2019) and the horizontal forehead lines. Dr. Arunkumar also notes the crow\u2019s feet around the eyes as another common treatment area. The reason these treatment areas are so popular for younger men? \u201cThese areas tend to develop early in men due to on average larger facial musculature,\u201d Dr. Arunkumar says.<\/p>\n
Injectables are an exciting innovation for supporting your anti-aging routine, but you\u2019ll want to do some research before deciding if a neurotoxin is right for you. \u201cA good candidate is someone whose facial expressions create noticeable forehead or frown lines,\u201d says Dr. Vasyukevich. If those dynamic lines are starting to remain visible when your face is resting (which is common in your 20s and 30s), you can absolutely benefit from brotox. However, this more subtle treatment may not be ideal for someone who\u2019s older or has more advanced signs of aging. \u201cSomeone who expects botox to correct sagging skin or jowls may not be an ideal candidate,\u201d adds Dr. Vasyukevich.<\/p>\n
Brotox is designed to deliver will give you subtle, natural improvements. However, results don\u2019t last forever and you\u2019ll need to return to your provider to maintain them. Good candidates \u201calso tend to be patients who are comfortable with maintenance treatments every three to four months,\u201d says Dr. Arunkumar. If this all sounds like you, consider scheduling an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist or facial plastic surgeon to try brotox for yourself.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n