It’s become much more common lately for men to get aesthetic treatments like Botox or Dysport. While their motivations are the same as women’s: look your best for yourself and look your best for your partner, their Botox treatments are just a little different than women’s.
How is a Botox treatment for men different?
Injection placement
There are anatomical differences in the face that need to be kept in mind, such as that men’s eyebrows are not arched like women’s, and therefore injections must be done accordingly.
Don’t aim for 100% correction
Be aware that taking away ALL wrinkles and creases can often cause a feminized look, so know what your desired outcome is before treatment. Many men aim for a more natural, refreshed look rather than frozen. Botox can be injected so that some movement and lines are left, resulting in expressions that are still natural, with results that are relaxed and more youthful.
Men need more units of Botox
Men have stronger facial muscles, and therefore need more units to relax these muscles. Also, the longer you’ve waited for your first Botox treatment, the more static lines you will have, and the longer it will take for them to smooth out. You will of course see results with your first treatment, but you may not see your optimal results until after several treatments.
Metabolism differences
Some research has suggested that men metabolize Botox faster than women, which results in needing more frequent treatments to maintain results. In general, it is recommended to get Botox injections every 3-4 months. Going longer between treatments means your facial muscles can get stronger which requires more units to achieve desired results.
Stronger jawline and masseters
Men sometimes use Botox to reduce teeth grinding and TMJ issues, but male patients should be aware that Botox in the masseters can cause a slimming of the jawline, resulting in a more oval-shaped face rather than the more masculine, squared jawline. Again, just know what your desired outcome is and communicate that to your provider.
Overall, Botox for men is generally tailored to maintain a natural, refreshed look.
