Did you know Botox burst onto the medical scene over 7 decades ago?! Mind blown!
The story goes as follows: scientists made a remarkable discovery and discovered that botulinum toxin (coincidentally one of the most lethal substances known to man) could actually be used to help reduce muscle spasms.
In the 1960s and 1970s, researchers started studying its efficacy in helping to realign the eyes and relieve double vision. Its benefits have, since then, without a doubt, been used by Ophthalmologists longer than any other physician due to its high success rate in patients with restrictive strabismus. In 1989, Botox was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of blepharospasm and strabismus.
By 2002, Botox got its official government stamp of approval for aesthetic use. It was dubbed the frown-line fixer and had several celebs flocking to aesthetic clinics to wave goodbye to unwanted frowns, lines and wrinkles using Botox.
And in 2010, the FDA approved Botox for the treatment of chronic migraines.
Nowadays, it is almost impossible to imagine a world where Botox has not been around to help smooth out skin and faces. However, truth be told, when most of us think of the word Botox, we STILL associate it with predominantly female users.
But Botox is a rising trend among men to help them look younger, and it is commonly (and comically) referred to as Brotox. Let’s discuss.
What Is Brotox?
Brotox is Botox but for “bros” and men. It is the same Botox treatment women use to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and maintain a youthful appearance but with a slightly more gender-appropriate name.
If we think about old-fashioned masculinity, we often think about men with beards longer than the Great Wall of China who chop wood and build cabins in thick forests. However, if the past decade has taught us anything, is that “metro men” have taken centre stage with more men prioritising the way they look and thus feel.
And we are all for it.
Brotox: How It Works
As previously established, Brotox is Botox, wearing a shirt and a tie, and it is a neurotoxic protein used medically (to treat certain muscular conditions) and aesthetically (to remove wrinkles) by temporarily paralysing certain muscles.
In layman’s terms, Botox works by blocking the nerve signals in the muscles where injected. Without the signal, your muscles are unable to contract, which causes those pesky wrinkles to relax and soften.
Common aesthetic treatment areas include forehead lines, crow’s feet around the eyes, and frown lines between the eyebrows. The effects of Botox (and thus Brotox) can typically last up to 3 to 6 months, after which the muscle action gradually returns, and the wrinkles begin to reappear.
This means repeat treatments are necessary to maintain a smoother and more wrinkle-free and “ironed-out” appearance.
The Rise Of Brotox: Why More Men Are Getting It?
Even though women dominate the Botox market, making up about 94% of customers, the remaining 6% of men getting “Brotox” might seem insignificant. However, this still amounts to over 250,000 men annually!
And its popularity can be attributed to several factors, reflecting broader societal changes and personal motivations. In short:
1. Societal Pressure And Changing Beauty Standards
There is zero denying that we currently find ourselves living in a severely image-conscious society.
From Instagram influencers to Facebook friends, whether the image is your lifestyle or your body, A PORTRAYAL of a certain image exists. A recent study has shown that about 65% of men compare themselves to images they see on social media platforms, with 37% saying the comparison is unfavourable.
There is increasing pressure on men to maintain a youthful and attractive appearance, and it is important to note that the stigma around men engaging in aesthetic procedures has significantly decreased.
This has, of course, allowed more men to feel comfortable seeking treatments that were once considered exclusively feminine.
The takeaway here is, that as beauty and societal norms evolve, men are becoming more proactive about their skincare regimes and overall appearance.
And why should they not be? Men are mere mortals and feel the pressures of the times they live in.
2. Professional Advantages
In many professional settings, a youthful appearance can confer certain advantages.
Men in competitive industries such as finance, law, and entertainment may seek Brotox to maintain an edge in their careers. It makes total sense.
The perception of vitality and energy, often associated with a younger look, can be crucial in industries where appearance and first impressions matter, after all, most women can write a book about it!
Men are now recognising that looking younger can help them stay relevant and competitive in the job market, and therefore Brotox has become all the rage.
3. Advances In Non-Surgical And Aesthetic Procedures
Technological advancements in aesthetic procedures like Botox (and Brotox) have made a lot of aesthetic treatments more accessible, and less invasive, as well as minimise discomfort and downtime, making it easier for men to fit treatments into their busy schedules.
4. Desire For Self-Improvement
Men, contrary to popular belief, are just like women, we all are driven by a desire for self-improvement and confidence.
The pursuit of a better version of ourselves is a powerful motivator. For many men, looking good equates to feeling good, and Brotox offers a straightforward way to achieve that goal.
The psychological benefits of looking younger, such as increased self-esteem and confidence, can have a profound impact on overall well-being, making Brotox an even more awesome reason and option for getting it.
Thinking About Getting Botox? Here Is What To Expect
For men considering Brotox, it is essential to understand what the procedure entails. The treatment is relatively quick, often referred to as a “lunchtime procedure,” as it can be completed within 15 to 30 minutes.
During the procedure, your healthcare practitioner/dermatologist/aesthetician will inject small amounts of Botox into the targeted muscles using a fine needle. You may experience slight discomfort, similar to a pinprick, but it is generally well-tolerated. So breathe, many many many women have survived Botox … meaning you will be OK.
After your procedure, there is minimal downtime, although some minor bruising or swelling at the injection sites can occur. Most men can resume their regular activities immediately, which is great.
Your results typically start to become noticeable within a few days, with full effects visible in about one to two weeks.
Brotox Vs. Botox
To Round Things Off
The trend of Brotox reflects broader changes in societal attitudes towards male grooming and aesthetic procedures.
Long gone are the days when men have to look scruffy to be manly. Popular figures like David Beckman and Timothée Chalamet have proved that the term masculinity has evolved, and taking care of yourself is NOT a bad thing AT ALL.
