Feeling like you're getting older isn't fun for anyone, guys included. While women have always had a host of options to keep their appearance youthful, from creams to makeup to cosmetic treatments, many men have felt the need to grin and bear the evidence of the years. That is all starting to change. The market for male Botox injections, affectionately known as “Brotox,” has gone up nearly 300% in recent years. 

Why Are More and More Men Getting Brotox?

Times Are Changing

The ideal adult male archetype of the past definitely had wrinkles. They were evidence of hard work, grit, and maturity. Everywhere on television and in print advertising, you would see men grimacing and furrowing their brows. You saw athletes bracing themselves against the strain of lifting free weights and cowboys weathering outdoor elements on horseback. For real-life guys, anything associated with anti-aging was seen as a sign of frivolity or weakness. Men just didn't rub their faces with special creams or book monthly facials.

While grit and hard work are certainly admirable qualities, the truth is that for many men, wrinkles are not a badge of honor. They are just wrinkles. Today, men are asking why they need to live with the signs of aging if these signs make them feel less attractive as opposed to more manly. Increasingly, the old stereotypes of masculinity are becoming less attractive for a lot of people.

Smooth Skin Is a Sign of Vitality

Your appearance is the first thing people notice about you. First impressions count a lot in our society. For that reason, people should be able to choose how they want to portray themselves. When men choose to get Botox, it's not because they want to appear vain or frivolous. Often, it's because they want to show off their youthful vitality.

Today, we understand more about how to maintain our health and stay active than previous generations. As a result, many men feel strong and youthful long past their late 20s, which is when wrinkles start to appear. This happens because the sun causes most premature aging, and the sun keeps shining no matter how much care we put into eating a balanced diet or how many times we hit the gym. The result is that our feelings of vitality are outlasting the appearance of our skin. When the way we look on the outside doesn't accurately reflect the way we feel on the inside, Botox can help balance the situation.

Men Want to Look Their Best in Professional Settings and Social Situations

Everybody wants to feel confident about their appearance when they are interacting with others. Being confident about the first impression you give can be a big advantage when you are:

• Interviewing for a job
• Getting back in the dating game
• Creating profiles on social media

For many men, wrinkles are not part of the best look they want to show the world. Being healthy and well-groomed has always been looked on positively for men. Working out, shaving, choosing appropriate clothing, and keeping your hair combed are all ways to make sure you appear professional. Now, for many men, maintaining healthy-looking skin is part of the program.

What Is Brotox and How Does It Work?

Brotox = Botox for Men

“Brotox” is a tongue-in-cheek way of referring to dermal injectables for men. Imagine two muscly dudes at the gym pausing between sets. “You wanna grab some food later?”, asks one. “No man, I've got an appointment to top off my Brotox,” answers the other. You get the picture.

Can Really Make Your Lines and Wrinkles Go Away

All humor aside, the results of Botox are serious. It is the most popular noninvasive cosmetic treatment in the United States. Millions of people get it done every year, and 1 out of 10 patients are men. This percentage is projected to increase steadily. The reason for its popularity is that it can significantly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in a fast, safe way. This is no “miracle cure” that turns out to be false advertising. It's an effective solution that makes a lot of people feel great about their skin.

Treats the Underlying Cause of Wrinkles

With all problems, finding a cure is better than just addressing the symptoms. Fine lines and wrinkles are no different. Did you know that all creases on your face are actually caused by muscle contractions? That's why men tend to have more furrowed brows than women. Their faces are usually more muscular. Every facial expression you make, whether it's a smile, a frown, or a look of concern will eventually cause fine lines that deepen into wrinkles.

Botox is injected directly into the muscles that cause whatever lines are bothering you. It temporarily relaxes them so that you no longer make the movements that are causing your skin to wrinkle. Don't worry: trained medical professionals do this with expert precision. You will still be able to move your face, and you won't appear to look frozen. After your treatment, your lines will smooth out.

Compensates for the Lack of Collagen

It's time to take a look at why muscle contractions cause wrinkles and how Botox can help. Basically, there is a naturally-occurring protein called collagen that keeps your skin wrinkle-free when you are young. This protein gives cells their structure and helps repair any damage that occurs. It rises to the occasion any time there is an issue and is responsible for a lot more than wrinkle prevention. For example, when your skin is punctured, collagen helps your body close it with scar tissue.

After age 30, our body produces 1-2% less collagen every year. Without an abundance of this protein, our facial expressions start to leave permanent marks on our faces. If you fold a piece of paper and unfold it, you will see a line. The same thing happens with your skin. Botox essentially prevents your skin from folding in the specific ways that cause wrinkles to form. Without these movements, wrinkles don't even have a chance to show up. The ones you already have will recede significantly.

Some Frequently Asked Questions About Botox

1. What Happens During Treatment?

The process is very quick and straightforward. When you come in to get this treatment done, you will lie down and have a topical numbing agent applied. You might be asked to scrunch your face so that the doctor can see your lines more clearly. The actual injections themselves only take about 15 minutes.

2. Does This Treatment Hurt?

Getting these injections is no more uncomfortable than a vaccination or another type of shot. Plus, you will have the numbing cream. It's something even people with a fear of needles can do.

3. When Do the Results Show Up?

You can expect to see the effects of this treatment within a week of your appointment. They will continue to increase over the coming weeks until the product reaches its maximum effectiveness.

4. Are the Results Permanent?

No. The good thing about Botox is that it's temporary. You can try it to see if you like it. You can even experiment with the amount of product and the location of the injections over the course of a few sessions to see what is right for you.

5. How Long Do the Results Last?

Patients enjoy their results for a long time. They can last anywhere from three to six months. Considering it's a 15-minute appointment, that's a pretty good return on investment.

6. What Can I Do to Maintain My Results?

One of the reasons Botox is so popular is that patients usually love it and people are always coming back for more. To maintain your results, just schedule a follow-up appointment when you see them start to diminish. Since the effects of Botox last three to six months, you'll only have to come in between two and four times per year.

7. Is This Treatment Safe?

Absolutely! Botox has been FDA approved for cosmetic use since 2002. Since then, millions and millions of people have had it done and loved the results. Remember, providers need a medical license to administer it, so you will be in knowledgeable hands. There is almost no chance of an adverse reaction, and the treatment is noninvasive.

8. What Do I Need to Do After I Get Botox?

There is no downtime when it comes to Botox injections. You can get back to work right away. While you can resume your normal activities immediately, we do recommend that you avoid hard workouts for 24 hours. They can cause the product to disperse out of the areas you want to target.

9. What Kinds of Wrinkles Does Botox Treat?

This treatment is FDA approved to improve most of the wrinkles that might be bothering you. It can be used on the forehead, which is where men typically see the most prominent lines. Crow's feet are the little wrinkles that form on the sides of your eyes when you squint. They can be treated, too, as can the vertical “11” lines between your eyes. Lower on your face, Botox can be used for the lines around your mouth.

If you are wondering if a particular wrinkle can be treated, just ask. Chances are, the answer is yes.

10. Is Botox Different for Men and Women?

Yes and no. The product and the results are the same, but there are usually differences between how the muscles appear in male and female faces. For that reason, it's a good idea to go to a practice that has experience treating men.

The Benefits of Botox

1. It Smooths Out Fine Lines and Wrinkles

The effect Botox has on fine lines and wrinkles is a pretty big deal. They are notoriously difficult to correct, to the extent that many people just accept them. Most topical creams just moisturize the skin. Even the ones that work for wrinkles usually have a minimal effect that barely makes a difference. On the other end of the spectrum, surgical procedures like facelifts work but aren't for everyone.

Botox created a lot of excitement when it was first released because it is a nonsurgical solution that has a significant effect on the way your skin looks. With this treatment, you can enjoy truly smoother skin.

2. It's a Good Investment

Speaking of all the creams people use when they are trying to get rid of their wrinkles, it's worth pointing out that they cost a lot of money. Plus, many of them say they take six weeks to work, so you don't really know what you paid for until you wait more than one month. With Botox, you know 100% that you will get a return on your investment. It can save you time and money that you would otherwise spend experimenting with other products.

3. It Can Offset All the Factors That Cause Wrinkles

We know that collagen loss is the ultimate cause of fine lines and wrinkles. It is part of the natural aging process, and the rate at which you lose collagen is largely determined by genetics. However, there are a number of factors that can accelerate the process. They include:

• Sun exposure
• Lack of sleep
• Stress
• Alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco
• Pollution in the environment

When you have unwanted wrinkles, it doesn't really matter what caused them. Many of the factors that lead to them are out of our control. The good news is that Botox can fix your fine lines and wrinkles no matter what the source.

4. It Can Complement a Healthy Lifestyle

Did you notice that some of the factors that cause wrinkles can be reduced with healthy lifestyle choices? Dermatologists recommend that you wear SPF every day when you go outside. It's a good idea to eat healthy, nutritious foods and drink a lot of water. When possible, try to find ways to de-stress and get in your z's. Combined with Botox, this approach will make your skin look great. It is also an excellent way to optimize your results and maintain them for as long as possible.

5. It Can Prevent New Wrinkles in the Future

Today, many men and women are using Botox to stop wrinkles before they start. If you start noticing a line on your face and don't want it to develop into a wrinkle, Botox can prevent the muscle contractions that would otherwise make that happen. It's a great way to be proactive about your appearance.

Try Brotox and Fight the Wrinkles

So, can this treatment address your wrinkles? Yes, and it's one of the best methods. Botox, or “Brotox”, is a great option for men who want to do something about their fine lines and wrinkles. It can make a big difference in the appearance of your face, helping you to look professional and give the first impression you want people to see. Botox is a safe and effective way to treat all kinds of wrinkles.