ABC News recently did a story on women who discreetly offer to take their guys to the plastic surgeon or dermatologist for a little pick-me-up session of Botox. ABC News reports that more than 300,000 men got Botox last year, a 10 percent increase from the previous one, and also that a reportedly soaring number of men who are receiving “Botox gift cards”.
Botox for men or ‘Brotox’ as it’s affectionately called, doesn’t have to be intimidating. We had a chance to ask Dr. James Marotta, a dual Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon, about the other beneficial uses of Botox, the right age to start treatments and more.
SF: What are some of the reasons for this increase in demand for Botox among men?
DR.JM: I think the number one reason is the economic downturn. Downsizing and layoffs have led to a lot of unemployed, older men who are out pounding the pavement and job seeking in their field or entirely new fields. I have a lot of men coming in saying “I have an interview and I wanted to get this procedure done before so I look my best”.
SF: Are there any differences in expectation between male and female Botox patients?
DR.JM: Expectations between female and male patients with botox tend to be about the same. They both are looking to soften their wrinkles and appropriate expectations for treatment outcomes are discussed in detail with the patients prior. In general though, men tend to ask less questions and be less specific about what they want to achieve.
SF: Is there anything one should look out for before diving into Botox treatments?
DR.JM: Men in particular can have drooping or low eyebrows with aging. Botox can soften wrinkles tremendously but it can also lower the brow or give an inappropriate brow shape if administered improperly. They should seek out an experienced physician botox injector who is board certified and attuned to the problems of the male aging face.
SF: What are some of the other uses of Botox that can benefit men?
DR.JM: Botox can be used to soften frown lines, forehead lines, crow’s feet, wrinkles around the mouth, bunny lines (wrinkles around the nose) or neck bands. One of the newer uses of Botox is to soften an overly square face by injection into the chewing or masseter muscle. This use originated in Asia but is becoming commonplace in the U.S.
Botox can also be used to treat the condition known as “hyperhidrosis” by treating the sweat glands in the hands, soles of the feet and armpits. Botox is extremely effective at reducing or eliminating sweaty palms and feet and stained shirts. The effects from one treatment session last 3 to 6 months.
SF: It’s been said that Botox can have a preventative effect of sorts to delay the appearance of wrinkles. Can you touch on this further? Should one be inclined, what is a good age to start Botox treatments?
DR.JM: Botox should be started when wrinkles are present at rest (without facial motion )and they bother the patient. Generally people are usually in the mid-30s before such wrinkles appear but I have treated people in their early 20s if they had developed wrinkles that concern them. While its not proven, most physician’s would agree, repetitive botox over time can prevent new wrinkles from forming and existing wrinkles from becoming deep crevasses.
SF: What can one do to help prolong the effects of Botox on a day-to-day basis?
DR.JM: The amount of time Botox lasts depends upon a lot of factors: the initial dosing, body mass, level of activity, muscle mass and the quality of the Botox administered. The most important factor is choosing the right physician that gives you fresh botox at a proper dose. I routinely will see patients back after the botox has had its effect to give the patient a little extra or a “touch up”. Patients really can’t prolong the effect of Botox but can do other things like using sunscreen daily to prevent and treat wrinkles that will ultimately compliment their Botox treatments.
SF: Any tips for looking one’s best in 2012?
DR.JM: Taking care of the skin is one area that men tend to ignore. The better your skin, the younger you will look. The skin, just like our muscles, needs to have a “work out” every once in a while. Chemical peels, laser, microdermabrasion and a good home regimen of skin care including retin-A and alpha-hydroxy acids are all ways men can freshen up their look and cause their skin to regenerate. Daily sunscreen and moisturizer are other musts.
About Dr. James C. Marotta:
Dr. James Marotta is a dual Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon who specializes in facial plastic surgery with particular expertise and interest in minimally invasive (endoscopic) facial plastic surgery and facial rejuvenation/anti-aging (surgical and non-surgical). He attended Columbia University and graduated as president of the medical honor society at SUNY Stony Brook School of Medicine. He trained at Yale University in head and neck surgery and was consistently recognized as the top head and neck surgeon in the program. He achieved board certification upon completion of his residency. Dr. Marotta then completed additional subspecialty training as a fellow in facial cosmetic and reconstructive surgery at one of the leading facial plastic fellowships in the country.
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