Every year, millions in the US get cosmetic procedures such as Botox or filler. That includes men– even here in South Texas.
Mark Canales, 47, of Corpus Christi, is among them.
"I personally feel it’s made a difference," explained Canales.
Canales has been getting the injections for five years. He sells medical supplies during the week, spends his weekends on a ranch and said Botox has helped him personally and professionally.
"I’m up against younger…men entering the workplace, and…personally speaking, [I’m] trying to get back into the dating pool."
Botox is can help with migraines and back pain, but more often, it’s used for facial cosmetic procedures by paralyzing underlying muscles; in that manner, it reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
If you thought Botox exclusively appeals to women, you’d be wrong. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons said 467,000 men got Botox injections last year– up nearly 400 percent since 2000.
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/News/Statistics/2017/cosmetic-procedures-men-2017.pdf
Angelica Jackson, a board certified Physician Assistant at the Halcyon Med Spa in Corpus Christi administers Botox injections and has seen an uptick in men getting such cosmetic procedures.
"It’s the new trend. [Men] want to restore or rejuvenate their skin and they see their wives come in and their wives’ skin– their wrinkles are disappearing …the wives are coming back with wonderful results so [the men] are asking questions," explained Jackson.
"I don’t think it’s taboo anymore to get it. I mean, more and more I hear men say they’re trying it or at least dabbling with it," said Canales.
Botox’s popularity makes sense. More than 7 million people got it last year. It’s fast, easy and painless, but it can be risky. Some people have reported adverse side-effects such as: droopy eyelids, drooling or excessive tearing. That’s why Jackson said it’s important that anyone interested in cosmetic procedures do their research.
"[Patients should] always ask if [the injector] is board certified. Ask what their training is. Are they a nurse practitioner, physician assistant or a doctor? This should be done by a medical provider."
Canales said he hasn’t suffered negative side effects from Botox and thinks he’ll continue to get the injections.
"As long as I can and as long as I can see the results and the benefits."
Results from Botox aren’t permanent. They last anywhere from three to six months.
You can read more on Botox by visiting: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/botox/about/pac-20384658
