Botox for Men: Procedure, Cost & More

Have your facial expressions been leading to frown lines?? Then let’s talk Botox® — er, Brotox!

Funny nicknames aside, the number of men getting Botox injections has been majorly increasing. In fact, it’s one of the most popular treatments around in the name of scoring a more youthful appearance.

According to the International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine, the number of men getting Botox has increased by 337 percent since the year 2000.

So, what exactly is Botox? Keep reading to learn all that and more — including the costs, risks and how this cosmetic procedure can reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles. 

What Is Botox? 

Botox is derived from the Clostridium botulinum bacteria. It’s injected into your facial muscles and causes a temporary paralysis that stops the muscles from contracting. In doing so, it helps prevent wrinkles.

But wrinkles aren’t the only thing botox is used for. Healthcare professionals also use the injection treatment for the following conditions:

• Severe underarm sweating

• Uncontrollable blinking

• Misaligned eyes

• Chronic migraines

• Overactive bladder

When used for wrinkles (and especially deep wrinkles), Botox injections aren’t permanent. In fact, the effects usually last between three to 12 months. 

After that, you’ll need to get more Brotox to maintain the results.

Here are a few other things you should know about Botox for men:

• Other than the forehead, the most common places people get Botox injections are near the vertical lines between the eyebrows, ‘crow’s feet’ around the corners of the eyes, and ‘smile lines’ around the mouth. 

• Botox injections are done with a very fine needle, only take a few minutes and are relatively pain free. 

• Results from Botox injections appear within two to ten days. 

• Dysport® and Xeomin® are two other products similar to Botox used to address wrinkles. The first is a botulinum toxin that was developed in the United Kingdom in the 1990s, and the second is a neurotoxin FDA-approved to treat moderate to severe frown lines. 

How Much Does Botox Cost? 

The cost of Botox varies depending on where you live, your healthcare provider and how much you want. 

See, Botox is measured in units and each unit typically costs between $10 and $15 dollars. If you’re looking to treat the horizontal lines on your forehead and near your eye area that would require an estimated 30 to 40 units. 

Translation: You’d be looking at somewhere between $300 and $600 dollars.

Sometimes, you can find bargain deals on Botox injections. But, keep in mind that you get what you pay for. The actual cost of the Botox is only part of the total price. You’re also paying for a trained professional to inject you.

It’s recommended that you choose a board-certified health professional or go to a med spa overseen by one.

Side Effects Associated with Botox

Though generally safe, there are some side effects and risks associated with Botox. The most common include:

• Bruising and tenderness at the injection site

• Headache

• Nausea

• Flu-like symptoms

• Redness

• Temporary facial drooping

Another important thing to know: After getting Botox injections, you should not touch or rub the area. If you do, you risk temporary facial weakness in other areas.

In very rare instances, Botox can spread to areas outside the injection site and cause symptoms of a serious condition called botulism. Those symptoms include:

• Weakness all over

• Double vision

• Drooping eyelids

• Loss of voice

• Loss of bladder control

• Trouble breathing

• Trouble swallowing 

These more serious symptoms can pop up hours, days or even weeks after being injected. If you notice any of these things, reach out to your healthcare provider immediately. 

Alternatives to Botox for Men

If you’d rather skip Botox, there are some other ways to diminish the appearance of facial lines and prevent more from forming. Check them out. 

• Consider Dermal Fillers: Often made

  from hyaluronic acid, dermal fillers are injected into the skin.
  
  But rather than paralyzing the muscles, they plump them to fill in wrinkles. Dermal fillers do tend to last a bit longer than Botox. 

• Get a Chemical Peel: This in-office procedure involves applying a chemical substance to peel away the outermost layer of skin to treat

  wrinkles and other signs of aging.
  

• Try Dermabrasion: A special device painlessly removes the top layer of your skin, smoothing your face and improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
  

• Always Use Sunscreen: Photoaging

  is the term used for the aging that occurs due to exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet light. Dark spots, wrinkles and a change in texture can all be caused by sun exposure.
  
  Wearing a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 any time you’re outside can help prevent damage.

• Apply Tretinoin: This topical retinoid can make wrinkles less visible. In addition, tretinoin may prevent more wrinkles from occurring. 

Research has found that tretinoin increases collagen production, plumping up skin. 

Interested in trying this type of retinoid? Hims offers an anti-aging cream that contains tretinoin. If you have questions about using tretinoin and cosmetic treatments such as botox together, consult with your healthcare provider. 

The Most Effective Treatment for Your Facial Wrinkles

Botox for men (a.k.a. Brotox) has become increasingly more common as a way of reducing the appearance of wrinkles and preventing more from popping up. 

This injectable lasts anywhere between three and 12 months and has very few side effects. It’s quite safe. 

While the cost of Botox can vary greatly, you should expect to pay somewhere between $300 and $600 dollars per session.

If you’re interested in using Botox, be sure you visit an accredited healthcare provider — especially if you want someone trained in helping you keep a more natural appearance. 

And, if you decide it’s not for you? No worries! From alternative treatments (like night creams designed to tackle wrinkles) to topical products, there are many other ways to keep wrinkles at bay.