Today a growing number of men are seeing cosmetic surgeons for procedures specifically tailored to meet their unique needs. More than ever, men are making the choice to improve their appearance with the use of Botox, fillers, and cosmetic procedures.
According to American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), male plastic surgery rates have significantly increased since 2000 and the notion that cosmetic procedures are just for women no longer exists. Wrinkles don’t just affect women, so it only makes sense that both men and women can use these treatments. Often times, men are seeking to regain a more youthful look, improve their self-image, maintain their edge, and feel better about their appearance. Plastic surgeons have procedures to meet and often exceed their expectations. A little Botox or filler can rid the face of fine lines, marionette lines, crow’s feet, brow furrows and other signs of aging or sun damage. Wrinkles are not the only thing Botox is used for — often men use products such as Botox to decrease sweating, or hyperhidrosis, in the armpits or hands.
Specifically, “Bro-tox”, which is the name given for male Botox injections, is on the rise as it is one of the most subtle non-invasive skin rejuvenation procedures on the market. The procedure is fast, virtually painless, and easy. Botox injections leave no signs of having “work done,” so men are able to keep the so-called “character” but lose the lines, resulting in a smoother, lifted and relaxed appearance without facing the stigma associated with cosmetic procedures. According to the ASPS, in 2011 there was a 56% increase in minimally invasive procedures such as Botox injections and fillers in males.
Increasingly, a number of guys are considering non-invasive cosmetic procedures to appear more approach- able, to stay competitive in an ever younger and competitive workforce, and to generally increase their overall confidence. Although the application technique is similar for these procedures it should be noted that men and women have very differing facial anatomy. Men’s skin is thicker, with more oil glands and more hair than female skin, and the aging process is different in the two genders. Women, in their younger years, have more fat pads in their faces, and as time marches on the fat pads diminish and the skin begins to sag.
Because men have less dense fat pads, the sagging process isn’t as apparent, but stronger muscles in the forehead and around the eyes can lead to deeper, etched lines in men. As such, men can be treated with the same Botox techniques as women, but often require more units to treat the larger muscles in their face. Forehead lines require care in men so consideration should be given to the masculine brow when treating men. As usual, using an experienced master injector is always important. A cosmetic evaluation to discuss any questions and concerns is sometimes all it takes to get the conversation started.
Dr. Tamy M. Faierman is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Her office is located at 17130 Royal Palm Boulevard, Suite 1, in the Windmill Professional Campus in Weston. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 am-4:00 pm. For more information, please call 954-322-2742 or visit www.reshapeyourimage.com.