Do people ever say that you look tired or angry when you aren’t? You may be curious about trying out injectable fillers or Botox to slow down the hands of time.
You’re not alone: a 2013 study from the Cosmetic Dermatology journal found that Botox use among men has increased nearly 258% over the last decade.
Once favoured by only the ladies, more dudes have found that injectables are a subtle way to keep up a more youthful appearance. However, there are big differences between men’s and women’s facial filler needs. Read on to learn more before being injected.
Men’s injections are usually more expensive than women’s
Neuromodulators, like Botox, Dysport and Xeomin, work by preventing the nerves in your facial muscles from triggering the movements that causes wrinkles and expression lines to form in the first place. Generally men require higher doses of dermal fillers and Botox because they have thicker, stronger facial muscles. So, if you see a price listed by a service provider, don’t be too surprised if your final bill ends up being higher than average. The listed price was probably based on an average female patient’s needs.
Never get fillers in your lips or cheeks
You may want to avoid getting any fillers in your lips or cheeks since it can look really artificial (read: feminine) on men. Keeping things flat and chiseled is the goal – or you run the risk of looking like Billy Crystal. You can focus on making frown lines (a.k.a. the nasal labial folds) disappear with a bit of help from some carefully injected fillers – just don’t go overboard. Less is more.
You can build the profile and jaw line of your dreams
If you’ve always wanted a chiseled jaw, dermal fillers can be injected into the posterior aspect of the jaw line to increase the square shape of the lower face, creating a more traditionally masculine shape. If you don’t have a well-defined profile, dermal fillers injected into the chin and dorsum (where the nose meets the forehead) can also create a manlier side view.
Focus on decreasing deep wrinkles – not making them disappear altogether
Men who want to get rid of hollowing around the eyes to look less tired can have similar treatments to women, but fillers shouldn’t be used in the upper orbital area, which will create a high-arched eyebrow (or constant “surprised” face).
Talk to your provider about subtly softening deep crows feet around the lower corners of the eyes with Botox. Injections near the temples can also make eyes look less weathered, without overdoing it.
Pricing for injections can vary between $100 and $4,000, depending on how the amount used and the number of areas targeted. The results are almost instantaneous, and some bruising and local swelling may occur, but will clear up within five to 10 days. Results can last anywhere from a few months to a year depending on the product used.
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Find a provider near you using Elevate magazine’s Canadian doctor directory, or learn more about injectable fillers at Elevatemagazine.com. Elevate has been Canada’s anti-aging and plastic surgery authority for over 10 years.
By Jillian Wood, Elevate Magazine
