Looking your best and defying your age has never been easier. Advances in both premium men’s skincare ingredients and aesthetic procedures mean that you’ve got more effective, non-invasive options for delaying premature aging signs than ever before.

While it’s generally socially acceptable for women to admit caring about their looks, guys want to look great, too. And societal pressures can also contribute to men’s choices when it comes to wanting to maintain a youthful look. Staying competitive at work with younger colleagues, dating later in life, or just wanting to look and feel attractive at any age means that more men are getting Botox. In fact, the number of men getting Botox has jumped 27% in the last decade. 

While the taboo surrounding cosmetic procedures for men is slowly dissolving, many guys still feel like it’s not OK to talk about Botox –– or care about how their skin looks. We’re here to tell you that it’s completely cool and normal to care about your skin. While getting Botox isn’t for everyone, it offers potential benefits as well as risks. If you decide to take the plunge and give Botox a try, it’s best to prepare ahead of time so you get the best result with minimal downsides. Here’s what you should know about Botox and whether it’s the right choice for you.

What is Botox?

Botox, also called botulinum toxin type A, is a drug used by doctors and nurse aestheticians to reduce the appearance of deep facial lines, wrinkles, and creases. 

Botox comes from the same type of toxin that causes food poisoning, called botulism, but it can help treat certain health conditions when used in small doses. Apart from smoothing out your forehead wrinkles, Botox is also used to treat chronic migraines, neurological problems, and bladder disorders among other health issues. 

How Does It Work?

Botox injections work by blocking nerve signals that cause muscles to contract. When these muscles lift and relax, lines and wrinkles disappear or improve. This wrinkle-relaxing effect usually lasts about three to six months for most people before maintenance injections are needed to maintain a smoother look.

Why Do Guys Get Botox?

Guys get Botox for the same reasons women do: to prevent or reverse wrinkles and keep their skin looking smooth. While some men don’t start Botox injections until the first signs of aging appear, guys in their 20s and early 30s are also getting Botox to prevent deep creases from forming down the road. 

What Are The Benefits + Risks?

The main benefit of getting Botox is smoother, younger-looking skin with minimal recovery and downtime. Botox injections are safe and effective when used correctly by a licensed medical professional. Also, they don’t lead to weeks of recovery like more invasive procedures do – though you might see a little bruising or swelling at the injection site for a few days. 

Botox injections only take a few minutes, and no anesthesia is needed. It takes about one to two weeks to see the full effects after treatment. Ask your provider for guidance regarding pre and post-procedure care for best results. 

It’s important to seek out the services of either a board-certified doctor who regularly gives Botox injections, like a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon, or a licensed nurse aesthetician who focuses solely on injections and cosmetic services. If you’re going to get filler or Botox, you want to work with a provider who specializes in this –– no Botox parties or massage parlor injections, please.

Do your due diligence to make sure that your provider is medically trained and specializes in aesthetic and cosmetic procedures. Any medical procedure involves risk, and bad Botox can leave your face looking frozen or asymmetrical, or worse, lead to droopy eyelids and even blindness. 

Stick with credentialed, qualified injectors and pay attention to cost. If your injector is offering a deal that seems too good to be true, that might indicate a low volume practice with less than fresh product. Also, a responsible injector won’t over-inject your face to make more money––your results reflect on them, and a good injector wants you to get an awesome result that looks natural. This isn’t the time to bargain shop: the best providers are worth the cost.