Botox for Men: What You Need to Know Before Getting It Done
If you’re a guy considering Botox, you’ve come to the right place.
In recent years, Botox has transcended its initial image as a cosmetic treatment solely for women. Perhaps influenced by the rise of inclusivity and gender-fluid trends in the skin and self-care arena, more men are now turning to Botox to maintain a youthful appearance—and, of course, to enhance their confidence.
But is there a difference between Botox for men and for women? Can men really benefit from this procedure? And what exactly should one expect?
Here, Dr. Maximin Navarro, resident dermatologist at Bella Pelle Philippines, answers every guy’s most pressing questions about this ultra-famous treatment while also debunking common misconceptions.
What is Botox?
Botox, or botulinum toxin, is a neurotoxin derived from the bacterium clostridium botulinum. It works by temporarily paralyzing muscles when injected into the skin, helping to smoothen visible wrinkles and fine lines. The U.S. FDA approved Botox for cosmetic use in 2002, and since then, it has become one of the most popular non-surgical cosmetic treatments worldwide—the Philippines, included.
“In my practice, half of my patients are men seeking botulinum toxin injections,” says Dr. Navarro, who adds that there’s been a steady increase in the number of Filipino men seeking this service at his clinic.
What are the benefits of Botox for men?
Men experience many of the same benefits from Botox as women, but there are some specific advantages tailored to male needs:
- It can help you achieve a more youthful appearance.
Botox effectively reduces the appearance of crow’s feet, forehead lines, frown lines, and more. (See the treatable spots in the image below.) It can also prevent the formation of these signs of aging as it’s an acetylcholine release inhibitor, which means it both treats and prevents a dynamic wrinkle from forming.
- It can enhance your natural features.
When administered correctly, Botox provides subtle results that enhance natural facial expressions rather than creating a “frozen” look. “This frozen look is caused by injecting too much botulinum toxin into the skin,” says Dr. Navarro. “Consulting an expert dermatologist who’s knowledgeable and trained in this treatment is crucial to avoid a complication like this.” - It can make you look more polished.
In a competitive job market, looking youthful can give men an advantage, especially in industries where appearance matters. - It’s quick and convenient.
Treatments are fast, often taking just 10 to 15 minutes, with no downtime required. This makes it easy to fit into a busy schedule.
Who are the best candidates for Botox?
While Botox is suitable for many, the best candidates typically share these characteristics:
● Healthy individuals: Ideal candidates are in good health without any neuromuscular diseases or allergies to botulinum toxin.
● Mild to moderate wrinkles: Men with mild to moderate dynamic wrinkles (those caused by facial expressions) tend to see the most noticeable benefits. Many men begin considering Botox in their late 20s to early 30s as a preventative measure, while others might start later, typically in their 40s or 50s, to address existing signs of aging.
● Realistic expectations: Understanding that Botox can improve but not completely erase deep lines and wrinkles is crucial.
What’s the actual procedure like?
Curious about how your first Botox treatment will feel like? The good news: The procedure is generally not considered painful. “It all starts with 30 minutes of topical anesthesia application,” says Dr. Navarro. “This is for the reduction of the pain of the needle injection and to make the procedure comfortable.”
“The actual procedure usually takes a minimum of 10 minutes up to a maximum of 30 minutes, depending on the area to be treated,” he goes on to explain. Botox involves using fine needles to inject the active ingredient into specific facial muscles, causing only minor discomfort often described as a brief pinch or sting. Most patients tolerate it well, and any discomfort is typically minimal and short-lived.
What to expect after Botox?
Immediately after your treatment, you can expect minor redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection sites. There might be slight tenderness or discomfort. This is normal and should subside within a few hours. Most people can resume normal activities right away but it’s best to avoid strenuous exercise or activities right after.
“Initial effects may be noticeable on the 3rd to 5th day and the maximum effect is usually seen on the 7th day,” says Dr. Navarro. “This can last for at least three to four months, and is also dependent on the amounts of botulinum toxin injected.” Since the effects are not permanent, follow-up treatments are recommended to maintain the look.
Check out some before and after photos below of a 46-year-old male candidate. The after photos were taken two weeks after his Botox treatment.
How much does a Botox treatment cost?
At Bella Pelle Skin Solution, the Korean brand starts at P340 per unit, while the U.S. brand starts at P430 per unit. The number of units used vary per area to be treated and per brand. A doctor’s assessment is necessary to determine the exact total cost for a particular individual’s treatment.
To Botox or not to Botox?
If you’re looking for a youthful boost without invasive surgery, Botox just might be the treatment for you. It’s quick, safe, and proven to be effective. That said, make sure to consult with a qualified healthcare provider to ensure it’s the right choice for you and your skin concerns.
For customized skincare recommendations, you can book a face-to-face or virtual dermatological consultation with Dr. Maximin Navarro, our resident dermatologist and a Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) fellow, here. You may also contact the Bella Pelle Skin Solutions Clinic at (+63) 999-887-1933. For a full list of facial services and other treatments, click here.
Bella Pelle Skin Solutions is located 2/F L Building, #142 Katipunan, Brgy. Saint Ignatius, Quezon City. The center is open Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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