Neuromodulator for Men
Refreshed. Rested. Healthy. Fit.
Today, more than ever, men are taking pride in their appearance. Whether you’re a leader in a competitive workplace environment or tackling today’s dating scene, the modern man needs to look his best. For too long, men have spent money on new suits or pricey gym memberships but have neglected the most important aspect of their personal appearance, their face.
As we enter a new digital age, everything from dating to business is becoming more virtual. Often a potential client will make a remote business decision based on a photo they see on a company website. And if you’re trying to succeed in the world of social media or internet dating apps, there is an increased focus on male facial aesthetics. After noticing new lines and wrinkles, are you tempted to use an old photo of yourself to attract more dates, only to surprise them when they meet “the real you?” Resist the temptation. Instead of putting up that old photo, why not consider a simple treatment to obliterate lines and wrinkles and give you the bolstered confidence of a more youthful and refreshed appearance.
Many men are reluctant to explore these inexpensive facial treatments, wrongly assuming that it’s a strictly female endeavor. Actually, since 2010, the number of men undergoing neuromodulator injections has increased by 27%. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Neurotoxin and other neuromodulator injections were the top nonsurgical procedure for men in recent years.1 These treatments have become a regular routine for many men interested in eliminating unnecessary wrinkles and maintaining self-confidence.
What Causes Facial Wrinkles?
As facial muscles contract, the skin overlying or near the muscles naturally wrinkles. This is referred to as “dynamic” wrinkling. Some degree of dynamic wrinkling is natural and gives your face expression.
As we age, the repeated action of the facial muscles and prolonged exposure to the sun lead to what we term “static” or resting wrinkles–those which remain even when we are not firing our facial muscles. Think of the forehead of a guy in his 20s versus one in his 60s. Both men have natural wrinkles when raising the brow, however, only the older male has deeper wrinkles with activity and persistent lines when his face is at rest.
The key muscles causing undesirable wrinkles in men are the orbicularis oculi for the crow’s feet (lines to the side of the eye), the corrugators and procerus for the scowl lines between the brows, and the wide frontalis muscle for forehead lines.
Some degree of activity of each of these muscles is necessary to maintain normal facial expression. However, excessive activity leads to deeper dynamic lines and prominent resting wrinkles. To reduce this, we use neuromodulator injections.
What is a Neuromodulator and How Does it Work?
Put simply, neuromodulators are substances which weaken muscle contractions by blocking the signal between nerves and facial muscles. Once a muscle is weakened, the skin above the muscle has a smoother appearance.
Neuromodulators of these contain a form of botulinum toxin which is delivered in very small, safe doses to the facial muscles of concern. Neuromodulators should always be delivered by experienced injectors who understand the properties of each treatment as well as the precise amount needed to weaken, but not paralyze, the facial muscles.2
At Neinstein Plastic Surgery, Neuromodulator is NOT:
• Used in a way that alters your overall appearance.
• Going to prevent you from activating normal facial expressions.
• Give you a “surprised” or feminine appearance.
By choosing one of the trusted practioners with experience in male aesthetics, you will avoid any undesirable outcomes. Our practioners specialize in the precise amount and placement of injections, and the differences in male and female aesthetic goals.
Key Differences Between Male and Female Neuromodulator Injections
In general, men have stronger, thicker facial muscles. This means that the same dose which is applied to a female will have either less or no noticeable effect in a male.3
Female patients often request a bit of a lift to the brow. This can provide a nice, feminine arch to the eyebrow. Male patients typically want a straight, lower, more masculine brow. This requires injections in different precise facial locations and in differing amounts.
Female patients often request to look younger. Male patients usually prefer a more rested, refreshed look and not a child-like face with little distinguishing characteristics.
An injector experienced in male aesthetics will understand these critical differences and treat you appropriately.
Preventative Neuromodulator for Young Adults
Guys in their 20s and 30s are using neuromodulators to stave off wrinkles as long as possible. This treatment is often called “preventative neurotoxin.” The idea behind this therapy is that by preventing excessive muscle activity in the forehead, crow’s feet and glabella (scowl lines between the eyebrows), you will prevent the formation of deep wrinkles over time.4
We always encourage a fit and healthy lifestyle for our patients. As you know, low body fat can unfortunately lead to signs of premature facial aging. Fat in the face can mask lines and wrinkles. Many fit, athletic males will notice the early appearance of lines and wrinkles if not treated appropriately.
Treatment Areas
The primary areas for male aesthetic facial injections are the “crow’s feet” to the side of the eye, the scowl lines between the eyebrows, and the horizontal forehead lines. Each of these areas should be treated with concern for maintaining or enhancing an attractive, masculine appearance.5,6
In addition to aesthetic injections, additional common treatment areas include sweat glands and the muscles which contribute to teeth grinding.
Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating)
Another remarkable benefit of neurotoxin is the ability to decrease the production of excessive sweat by sweat glands. Excessive sweating is termed hyperhidrosis. Multiples studies have demonstrated that injections into areas of concern reduce the sweating rate significantly, up to 80 to 90 percent. This can boost self-confidence by decreasing the worry that comes with excessive sweating.
Teeth Grinding
Frequent teeth grinding can lead to permanent damage to the surfaces of the teeth. Not only that, but it can lead to discomfort or even pain in the jaw as the muscle responsible (the masseter) hypertrophies (becomes unnaturally large and strong). This process can take place even when a person sleeps. neurotoxin injections to this muscle have proven effective in both reducing the frequency of teeth grinding and may even break the habitual cycle and end this problem.
The Procedure
At the time of your consultation, we will discuss your areas of concern. We will outline in detail the effects you can expect to see following treatment. We are experienced in male facial anatomy and will discuss the amount of neuromodulator and the precise locations of injection you need to meet your aesthetic ideal.
Ice can be applied to the treatment areas prior to injection to help anesthetize the skin.
After cleaning the skin, a very small needle is used to precisely deliver the neuromodulator to the muscles of interest. The entire procedure lasts approximately 5 to 10 minutes.
Each area has temporary swelling which resolves within minutes.
The only activity restrictions following injections are
You can go back to work the same day. We advise you to avoid the gym for 24 hours. But then, go ahead and resume your healthy, fit lifestyle.
Neuromodulators take time to weaken the muscles. For most patients, full results are seen in about one week. It is important to consider this time frame when scheduling your appointment. If you are planning to get injections for an upcoming event, be sure to schedule them a couple of weeks in advance.
Treatments typically last for 4-6 months.
Adverse effects from injections are rare. Mild side effects include headache, temporary discomfort or redness at the injection sites or bruising. Drooping of the eyelid is a rare temporary side effect, which may require treatment with eye drops to stimulate the muscles of the upper lid.7 Meticulous care is taken to avoid each of these effects. In our practice, an experienced injector will perform your injections, absolutely no exception.
References:
1. American Society of Plastic Surgeons (2017) Plastic surgery statistics report: ASPS National Clearinghouse of Plastic Surgery Procedural Statistics. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/News/Statistics/2017/plastic-surgery-statistics-full-report-2017.pdf
2. Prager W, et al. (2017) IncobotulinumtoxinA for Aesthetic Indications: A Systematic Review of Prospective Comparative Trials. Dermatol Surg.
3. Gart MS, Gutowski KA. Aesthetic Uses of Neuromodulators: Current Uses and Future Directions. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2015;136(5 Suppl):62S-71S.
4. Monheit G. Neurotoxins: Current Concepts in Cosmetic Use on the Face and Neck—Upper Face (Glabella, Forehead, and Crow’s Feet). Plast Reconstr Surg. 2015;136(5 Suppl):72S-75S.
5. Oliveira de Morais O, Matos Reis-Filho E, Vilela Pereira L, Martins Gomes C, Alves G. Comparison of four botulinum neurotoxin type a preparations in the treatment of hyperdynamic forehead lines in men: a pilot study. J Drugs Dermatol. 2012 Feb;11(2):216-9.
6. Baker A. Aesthetic applications for botulinum toxin type A: treating the upper and lower face. Journal of Aesthetic Nursing. 2016 Sept 5(7):330-336
7. Montes JR. Ethnic and Gender Considerations in the Use of Facial Injectables: Latino Patients. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2015;136(5 Suppl):32S-39S.