“Back in 2011, men made up about 5% of my total Botox clientele in Singapore. Now coming to the end of 2018, they make up about 10% of that figure, and I reckon it’ll continue to grow!” says Dr. Kelvin Chua, medical director of SL Aesthetic clinic, one of the various aesthetic clinics in Singapore.
What is Brotox?
Botox for men, or “Brotox,” is a rising trend in the cosmetic world. Brotox is simply Botox, specifically tailored to address men’s unique facial features and concerns. It’s the same injectable treatment women have been using for years to smooth out wrinkles and fine lines. However, it has also gained popularity among men seeking subtle changes to their facial appearance.
Why Are More Men Turning to Brotox?
Vanity, job competitiveness, appeal to partners, social (media) pressures, etc.; the list of [reasons why] more men are getting cosmetic treatments such as Botox in Singapore just keeps getting longer and varied. Men today are more aware of their appearance and understand that looking their best has benefits beyond vanity. Youthfulness, vitality, and confidence can open doors both socially and professionally.
“It has come to a point where men do not need convincing or persuasion; in this day and age, men know that some upkeep is required,” says Dr. Gabriel Wong, medical director of SL Aesthetic Clinic.
So the bigger question now is, what cosmetic treatments can be done, and how.
Understanding Botox
Botox is the famous brand synonymous with botulinum toxin, the key ingredient in the drug.
It is a neurotoxic protein produced by the Clostridium Botulinum bacteria. Botox prevents the communication of nerve signals, and when injected into the muscles, relaxes it.
Cosmetically, Botox is used to relax facial muscles that cause wrinkles, reduce excessive sweating in the palms or armpits, and more.
[Learn more about Dynamix & Static Wrinkles.]
Benefits of Botox for Men – What Botox Can Do for Men
Botox isn’t just about reducing wrinkles; it’s about enhancing a man’s overall facial balance and ensuring he looks as sharp and confident as possible. Here’s what Botox can do for men:
- Improve facial symmetry: Subtle adjustments with Botox can balance out uneven facial features, helping men achieve a more symmetrical appearance—an attribute strongly linked to attractiveness.
- Reduce wrinkles and lines: As the most well-known benefit, Botox smooths out wrinkles, frown lines, and crow’s feet, taking years off a man’s face without looking overdone.
- Boost confidence: For work, social engagements, or personal reasons, looking good often translates to feeling good. Botox offers men the confidence boost they need to take on the world.
While Botox works for all sexes, there are some differences in its application between the genders.
The facial muscles in men are larger and more active. Hence, more units of Botox need to be administered in men relative to women in any given area.
[Moreover, the aesthetic objectives differ between men and women.]
Common Areas for Botox Treatment
Botox on men typically focuses on the following areas:
- Forehead lines: Deep horizontal lines on the forehead can make men look older or constantly stressed. Botox helps smooth these lines without eliminating all movement, ensuring a natural look.
- Frown lines: These vertical lines between the brows, often referred to as “11s,” can give off an impression of frustration or anger. Treating this area helps soften the expression, making men appear more approachable.
- Crow’s feet: Wrinkles around the eyes can be one of the earliest signs of ageing. Reducing crow’s feet helps men achieve a more youthful and refreshed look, especially as smiling and squinting often accentuate this area.
Botox can also be used to slim jawlines, tighten neck bands, and reduce excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis). There are currently two perspectives on male beauty. Here, we will cover what they are and how you can achieve them. The Classic and The Progressive.
The Classic
This man is distinguished by very masculine features such as a squarish and strong jaw, low set eyebrows, a square boxy chin, a flat forehead, and a wider face.
You may spot some lines on his face. But these add character, rather than age. There is a fine line between oozing mature sex appeal and just looking plain old and haggard.
The key is in a delicate balance of cosmetic treatments. These can include:
- Minute doses of Botox in the forehead and glabellar to soften (but not erase) the horizontal forehead lines and frown lines
- A touch of dermal fillers on the cheekbones to create a wider, boxier look
- Fillers to create a strong squarish chin
- Lasers to keep your skin looking healthy and refreshed
- HIFU to lift and tighten any sagginess in the lower face, as well as giving your jaw greater definition
The Progressive
A growing trend in East Asian countries is the softer, more feminine aesthetic in men.
This look is characterised by a sharper face, flawless and fairer complexion, fuller cheeks and lips, and little to zero wrinkles or fine lines.
This is not to say that these men look just like women. The Progressives retain the masculine appeal, just to a lesser degree.
Achieving this is more demanding than The Classic. It will be a real test of the doctor’s skills and eye for proportions. One mistake can result in the patient looking pretty rather than handsome.
What you can do to attain The Progressive look include:
- Botox for jaw slimming. This creates a narrower jawline, hence sharpening the face
- Botox to correct wrinkles and character lines such as Crows’ Feet, Frown Lines, Forehead Lines, etc
- Botox to lift the brows, giving the eyes a brighter, more refreshed look
- Fillers to create a softer set of cheeks and to plump up the lips
- Lasers to smoothen out the complexion as well as lighten unwanted pigmentation
- Diligent use of sunscreen and whitening products
What to Expect During a Botox Treatment
A Botox treatment session is straightforward and usually takes no more than 20 minutes, depending on the areas being treated. Before the procedure, a consultation with a qualified professional helps determine the right approach for each individual’s needs.
During the treatment, small injections are administered into the targeted muscles. The discomfort is minimal, often described as a slight pinch, and no anaesthesia is required. Since Botox is non-invasive, there is no significant downtime, and most men can go back to work or their regular schedule immediately after the procedure.
How Long Do the Results Last?
The effects of Botox typically last between three to six months, depending on the individual and the area treated. Over time, the muscles gradually regain movement, and wrinkles may start to reappear. However, regular treatments weaken the muscles slightly, making future lines and wrinkles less noticeable and longer-lasting with each subsequent treatment.
Are There Any Side Effects or Risks?
Botox is generally considered safe, especially when administered by a qualified professional. However, as with any medical treatment, there are potential side effects. These can include minor swelling or bruising at the injection sites, which usually subside within a few hours to a few days.
Temporary drooping of the eyelids or uneven results may occur rarely, but these side effects are often avoidable with an experienced injector who understands male facial anatomy. It’s important to choose a reputable clinic with skilled practitioners to minimise risks.
Who is a Good Candidate for Botox?
Botox is ideal for men starting to notice facial ageing, such as crow’s feet and wrinkles and want to address these concerns without undergoing invasive surgery. It’s also suitable for men looking to maintain their youthful appearance or subtly enhance their facial symmetry.
Good candidates are typically in their 30s to 50s, but Brotox can benefit men of any age who want to improve their appearance. Men in physically demanding careers, high-stress jobs, or industries where having a fresh and approachable appearance is necessary, such as media or sales, are particularly drawn to this treatment.
Why Choose Botox Treatments in Singapore?
Non-invasive with no downtime
Botox offers a non-surgical solution for men who want to enhance their look without invasive procedures and extensive downtime.
Natural-looking results
Modern Botox treatments are customised to each individual, ensuring men retain their masculine features and avoid a frozen or overdone look.
Quick and long-lasting results
Botox treatments are fast, often taking just 10 to 20 minutes per session, and the results last three to six months.
Minimal risks with experienced practitioners
When performed by skilled professionals, Botox is a safe treatment with minimal side effects.
Book a consultation with SL Aesthetic Clinic
If you’re looking for a professional aesthetic clinic in Singapore for face tightening treatments or you just want to inquire about Botox prices in Singapore, feel free to schedule an appointment with us and we’ll do our best to answer any queries you may have!
[21 May 2021] A blog post by Dr. Ashley Yuen
MBBS, London
Dr Ashley Yuen obtained his medical degree from King’s College, London. He returned to Singapore where he honed his medical and surgical skills across various specialities and disciplines, before focusing on accident & emergency medicine and aesthetic medicine.
Ashley’s passion for aesthetic medicine stems from a desire to enhance one’s physiological wellness and esteem, and boost one’s self-confidence and quality of life. He sees a strong link between good emotional and physical well-being and is committed to helping patients look better and feel better.
With Ashley’s experience in patient care and aesthetics, he has an interest in using traditional aesthetic treatments to solve lifestyle and health ailments such as bruxism, skin tag, lumps and mole removal, skin pigmentation as well as in improving aesthetics using injectables like fillers.
A national rugby player and a model in his youth, Ashley can be found at the gym pumping iron. Happily married, he is a proud fur-father of two schnauzers.
For more information, write to contact@slclinic.com.sg
To contact Dr Ashley Yuen, write to ashley@slclinic.com.sg