“Can men look younger with Botox?” Dr. Accetta, Dermatologist in Orchard Park weighs in

Most cosmetic treatments are targeted towards women, but the truth of the matter is that the same pressures to maintain a youthful appearance affect men as much as women. If you are a male who has wrinkles on your forehead or near your eyes, you may be wondering, “Can men look younger with Botox?” Dr. Peter Accetta, Board-certified dermatologist in Orchard Park, NY, weighs in on this question.

Botox overview

First, a quick primer on how Botox works is helpful for understanding how it makes aging skin look younger. Botox is an injectable neuromodulator that contains the bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. This is the same neurotoxin that causes the life-threatening illness called botulism, but when used in a controlled cosmetic or medical environment, is safe and has dramatically different results! In fact, Botox has been used for many years to treat a variety of medical issues, from migraines to severe sweating to conditions involving overactive muscle contractions. Botox is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating fine lines and wrinkles.

Botox for Men

Cosmetically, Botox works by selectively targeting the muscles in your face that cause active wrinkling, such as in the following locations:

• Horizontal forehead lines from lifting your eyebrows
• Frown lines on your forehead (called the “11s”), which can be caused by squinting
• Crow’s feet, or wrinkles by your eyes that form when you smile or squint
• “Bunny lines” that appear when you scrunch up your nose or smile deeply
• Marionette lines that appear between your mouth and cheeks or vertical “smoker’s lines” that form around the lips

When injected into these areas, Botox prevents the muscles from contracting and causing wrinkles. Over time, your skin can heal, which results in smoother, younger-looking skin.

How treating men with Botox is different from women

Men’s faces have several differences from women’s that affect how Botox injections should be done and the end results. Seeking a dermatologist who is trained in these key differences is important for getting masculine, natural-looking results.

• Men’s faces are physiologically different than women’s – the skin is thicker and tougher
• Anatomical differences create a masculine or feminine appearance to the face
• Men are more likely to form deeper wrinkles in places such as the forehead than women; however, they are less prone to deep wrinkling around the mouth due to extra sebaceous glands and protection from facial hair

Because of their tougher, thicker skin, men are less likely to have Botox side effects such as redness, itching, or bruising after the injections. The injection treatment is truly a “lunchtime procedure” – the process typically takes less than a half hour and has no downtime. Anesthesia is not needed before the injections because a very fine needle is used, and men typically notice results within one week after treatment. Improvements keep developing over the next few weeks and last several months. Even though maintenance treatments will be needed, as you continue getting them over time, less of the product is needed and fewer injections are necessary because the muscles begin to relax, creating less powerful contractions.

In short, Botox is a great option for men who want to turn back the clock on their faces. As a non-surgical, minimally invasive, and relatively low-cost procedure with few side effects, the benefits of Botox for men have resulted in an increased interest over time. In fact, men are increasingly getting Botox and other cosmetic treatments such as dermal fillers, and it is estimated that approximately 20 percent of Botox clients are now men. Some clients start getting preventive injections done in their late 20s or early 30s to stave off those wrinkles before they even form.

Schedule a consultation to see if you are a good candidate

If facial wrinkles are holding you back in your career, your love life, or your self-confidence, now is the time to act. Dr. Peter Accetta understands the important differences in treating men with Botox for rugged, natural-looking results so no one knows that you have had injections done. To schedule a consultation and determine whether Botox or other anti-wrinkle treatments are a good choice for you, call Orchard Park Dermatology at (716) 675-7000.

Dr. Peter Accetta is dedicated to developing and preserving his patients' skin's health and brightness. Dr. Accetta is a dermatological board-certified physician who graduated from Fordham University and the University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine. He is a member of both the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery.

He likes all facets of dermatological practice, but he is particularly interested in general dermatologic therapy and skin cancer care. He specializes in photodynamic therapies.

When you put your trust in Dr. Accetta and his staff, you can expect prompt attention to your requirements, competence, experience, and real compassion.

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