Do Men Need Filler & Tox Injections?
Advertisements for dermal filler and neuromodulator injections like Botox are everywhere – but they all seem to feature women. This can be misleading, since plenty of men get cosmetic tox and filler injections too. In fact, 250,000 men received tox in 2020, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. But since aesthetic wants and needs can be different for men and women, should you opt for “Brotox” or fillers as a man? Take the information we’ve rounded up for you to see if it’s the right option.
Tox for Men: What It Is & What’s Popular
Before learning about the tox options available for men, it’s important to know how they work. BOTOX, the “OG” and its counterparts Dysport, Jeuveau (what we use), Xeomin and Daxxify are neuromodulators that use botulinum toxin as their active ingredient.
Botulinum toxin bacteria is naturally occurring. When used in aesthetic treatments, botulinum toxin is generally safe. It works by temporarily paralyzing some of the muscles in the face that cause wrinkles. When the muscles can’t move, the skin smooths out, resulting in fewer wrinkles.
When men opt for “Brotox” or other neuromodulator treatments, they target many of the same areas as women, including forehead creases and “crow’s feet” around the eyes. The injections only take a minute or two, and patients can resume most of their regular activities right away. Strenuous exercise and vigorous face-rubbing should be avoided in the first 48 hours after treatment to avoid migration of the toxin to other areas of the face.
As with women, the effects of tox for men last about three months, and retreatments are necessary to keep facial creases from returning.
Types of Fillers Available for Men
Dermal fillers work by plumping the skin and reducing sagging. While neuromodulators all use the same active ingredient, fillers are much more varied, and use a wide range of substances to soften the signs of aging on the face. Men can opt for all the same types of fillers as women.
These filler types include:
Hyaluronic Acid (HA): This is a compound naturally present in your body and when combined with water and made into an injectable gel, it can reduce wrinkles. The HA in dermal filler can come from either bacteria or animal tissues. Injectables that use hyaluronic acid include Revanesse, which we use, Restylane, Juvederm and Voluma.
Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA): PLLA is a biocompatible synthetic polymer. It is often used for non-aesthetic medical purposes, like absorbable stitches. When used for wrinkles, it works much like hyaluronic acid to add volume to the skin. PLLA injections can also stimulate the body to produce more collagen, a substance that gives skin its elasticity and youthful appearance. The only PLLA injectable on the market is called Sculptra.
Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA): This is a substance that occurs naturally in our teeth and bones. When used for wrinkles, it works in a similar manner to the other types of fillers and similarly stimulates collagen. Radiesse is the only CaHA injectable currently available.
Polycaprolactone (PLC): Like PLLA, PLC is a non-natural polymer that is absorbable by the human body. Its microspheres (tiny round particles) give the skin volume and encourage it to produce more collagen. Injections of PLC can last anywhere from 18 months to three years. Ellansé is an injectable treatment that uses PLC.
Popular Filler Treatments for Men
While neuromodulators have similar uses in men as they do in women, filler can be a different story, since men’s aesthetic standards are different than those for women. For example, many women use filler in their lips for a fuller pout, but few men do. Some areas that are popular for filler treatment in men include:
Jawline. A defined, prominent chin and jaw are popular amongst men, so they will often use filler to enhance the lower portion of their face.
Undereye area. Eye bags and prominent tear troughs can make men look older than they really are. A bit of filler in these areas can make them much less noticeable. Hyaluronic acid fillers work best for the undereye area.
Cheeks. Filler in the cheek area can create a more youthful look, especially if the area has sunken due to age or weight loss.
Nose. Men who want to reduce the appearance of imperfections in their nose can undergo “nonsurgical rhinoplasty,” which involves strategic filler injections change the shape of the nose. Fillers can smooth out bumps, add volume to the nose and increase the size of the tip. Hyaluronic acid fillers are usually used for nonsurgical rhinoplasty, though it’s important to note that none are FDA-approved for this application.
The Bottom Line
Dr. Boger is always happy to welcome our male patients looking to enhance their appearance through injections! Please contact us for a consultation and discussion about how we can hit your aesthetic goals.