Written by Marissa Abdo, MS, RN, CANS and Morgan Renfro, RN, CANS are the founders of Scottsdale-based Lumen + Bevel Aesthetics
Men can’t get enough of Botox! After adapting to hybrid work schedules where they stare at themselves on video chats, the “Zoom Effect” has more men feeling dissatisfied with their appearance. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), Botox injections are the #1 cosmetic procedure requested by men. In fact, men across the U.S. get more than half a million Botox injections every year and the pandemic has only increased that number because men are in search of a more youthful appearance.
While the Botox market has traditionally been dominated by women, men are changing the stigma because wrinkles, unfortunately, are universal. However, wrinkles aren’t the only reason men are opting to get Botox injections. From enhancing their appearance and boosting self-esteem to tackling a plethora of health issues, the list of reasons men are choosing treatments is getting longer and longer.
First, men want to stay competitive in today’s job market and that doesn’t necessarily mean being the top salesman in the company. Men want to look as youthful as their male counterparts at work because they see them as competition. After spending nearly two years analyzing their reflection on video conferences, men are more conscious than ever about their appearance and signs of aging, which means they’re noticing fine lines and wrinkles more than ever.
Next, with the rise of social media and online dating apps, the fear of someone swiping left has increased the urgency for men to look their best online. First impressions are everything and if a potential match swipes left, it’s a serious shot to their ego. Botox injections allow men to put their best face forward and hopefully snag a partner at first glance.
For men already in a relationship, it’s common that their significant other has something to do with them enhancing their appearance. It’s no surprise that women are obsessed with aesthetic treatments because they are FDA-approved and very effective. A large number of male patients report that their significant other pushed them to keep up their youthful look. Men and women develop wrinkles at different speeds. Men who care about their partner’s opinion will most likely take the plunge to keep them happy.
It’s becoming more important for partners to find each other physically attractive for years to come and Botox is an effective answer.
Lastly, Botox has been proven to treat several health-related issues. Botox injections are most commonly known to have the ability to reduce fine lines and wrinkles in the face, but many male patients get injections to help prevent chronic migraines, calm cervical dystonia (neck spasms), prevent excessive sweating, and even ease depression.
If aesthetic injections are in your future and you’ve never had them before, it’s important to have a conversation with your provider and ask them the following questions:
- What is the provider’s experience? This is your face! Make sure you go to someone who specializes in injectable treatments.
- Do they accept Alle and ASPIRE program rewards? These programs help to ensure that the clinic you are going to is buying real products.
- What should you expect? How long does the treatment last? How much does it cost?
- What is the difference between neurotoxin and dermal fillers? And what is the reasoning behind recommending one over the other?
- If you’re doing dermal filler, your provider should always have Hylenex on hand in case of an emergency.
- What are the expectations of the treatment? Will you have pain? What is the aftercare process? And when can you expect to see optimal results?