HEY! Don't leave the Dudes out!!

So I just wanted to share a story, a blast from my pre-COVID-past, when participated in a FANTABULOUS educational session and had a very masculine male ask, “Do guys do Botox”? BUT OF COURSE! THANKS FOR ASKING!

Neurotoxin (Boxtox, Dysport, Xeomin, Jeuveau) works terrific for both men and women to temporarily relax wrinkles caused by years of smiling, laughing, frowning and worrying. Men’s muscles are generally stronger (yes men, you love being called virile and strong!) the number of units recommended for dosing is typically higher for men than for a ladies face, but the mechanism of action is the same. That is the only reason my pic for dosing is specifically labeled “common dosing for the female face”.

Do men really do Botox? HECK YES! Fact of the matter is, we live in a youth-based society. With social media and rampant photo sharing opportunities, people have become more aware of how they appear to others. And younger appearing folk are often regarded as happier, more talented, more charismatic and more confident. Men are now largely conscious of what it takes to care well for the skin (remember, skin is the largest organ you’ve got (ahem), and it protects you from many environmental insults – as far as I’m concerned, this makes it a top contender for a little extra effort!). No longer is it unmanly to pamper your integument!

How does it work? Well, neurotoxin is injected strategically into muscles of the face with an uber-tiny needle (you’ll feel a tiny prick, light pressure, and a sting for a second or two…then its gone!) It works by inhibiting a signal between nerve cells that trigger a muscle to contract, whereby relaxing the skin and softening the look of the wrinkle. The results generally last 3-4 months, less in some and longer in others. The old school of thought was to wait for wrinkles, then start treating—nowadays many elect to start treatments younger (late 20’s early 30’s) to reduce the deeper creasing in the dermal layers and delay wrinkle formation to a later stage of life.

Toxin can be charged by the unit or by the treatment area—depends on who you see. The number of units needed is dependent on the area of interest as well as how tight your muscles are, making it hard to generalize on price. Any reputable provider will offer a consultation and give you a range specifically for you (expect 200-500$....more if you want total “correction”). Injectors may be nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, or physicians; the key is that they do it frequently, and that you trust them.

After an injection, you should start seeing results in 2-7 days, with full effect in 2 weeks. The impact should be subtle and natural, though some prefer no movement at all—to each his own! Of course you could be one of those people who talk down those who elect non-invasive aesthetic care; or you can embrace the fact that we have options. If you’re already exercising to look fit and attractive—you're already on the train! I mean really, there is nothing wrong with self-care and confidence!

Bottom line—sure real men do Botox! Give me a call and we can make a plan for you!

AHHHHHH...the BIG question: “How much will I need?”

Sure wish there was an easy answer for that one! Neurotoxin for wrinkle relaxation is sold by the unit, or the area; depending on the clinic you choose. The amount of product it will take for wrinkle reduction is truly individualized. Lot's of things play into this including anatomy, age, treatment area and amount of correction desired. One overly simplified answer you may find on the internet is ‘one-unit-per-year-of-age for full correction’. Of course that may or may not be true for you, and serves only as a loose reference!

You may recall an earlier blog post where I mentioned that toxin works very well for “wrinkles of animation” (those that you see when you scrunch your face). Some rest-wrinkles may soften with toxin, but not disappear completely. Dosing can be aggressive or conservative. If you’re a first timer, you might want to “go light”—with the option for additional product at your follow up visit. If this approach is used just keep in mind that you may not achieve full correction (complete relaxation) and that the effect should not be expected to last the anticipated 3-4 months. But there isn’t a clear long term issue with this approach! Some deeper animation wrinkle lines benefit from relaxation “training”, and if you are committed to full correction every three to four months treatment you may note more dramatic relaxation and longer treatment effect after a year or so!

After a treatment I encourage you self-analyze its effect at two weeks or a month post treatment--that helps guide dosing for the next session. And as you evaluate focus on whether or not you continue to have movement, not whether or not a wrinkle remains. Repeated contraction can cause a little etching in the deeper layers of skin. Those may reduce over time with repeated relaxation, or you might be a candidate for other treatments to complement the neurotoxin, like lasers, microneedling or threads.

On label (meaning the FDA approved the product based on scientific data for efficacy and safety) dosing for onabotulinumtoxin A (aka Allergan's Botox®) is 20 units for the glabella (area between your brows); frontalis (forehead) is up to 20 units, and lateral canthal lines around the eyes (crows feet) is 12 units per side. There are other areas which are commonly treated "off label" (the industry generally feels it is safe, however there is no FDA formal approval simply because the cost of doing a study may be cost prohibitive).

Bottom line: there are generalities for dosing, but you are unique, and your goals and aspirations guide my recommendations. Come in! Let's chat about it!

How about this for a thought-provoking question: “why would I?”

Anyone who has considered, contemplated or actually engaged with wrinkle relaxation vea neurotoxin use has a very personal reason. There are plenty of drivers…here are just a few:

· Increased self-confidence

· Enhanced personal perception of beauty

· Professional appearance—looking the part to keep the role

· Enhanced approachability

· Hope

· and I’d be crazy to not mention outright vanity, though it’s rarely the sole trigger

As for me and my practice my goal is to learn what is important to you, and see if there are ways we can get you to your aspiration. Not every wrinkle, or person, is right for neurotoxin—and that’s okay too! For example it’s not for pregnant or breastfeeding moms. And the data is not as robust for those over 65 years of age (though I have a fairly impressive 73 y/o story you might ask me about sometime….). Neurotoxins do tend to be very forgiving especially to those with “animation wrinkles” (when you make a scrunchy face, the wrinkle really pops out!). Not sure? Lets meet and see what we think! Two minds are often better than one!

Why would I?? Why not try!