Brotox Boom

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), male cosmetic surgery and non-surgical procedures increased by 29 percent between 2000 and 2018. The increase is influencing dermatological and plastic surgery practices across the US. 

In 2020, top treatments among men included botulinum toxin (Botox), laser skin resurfacing, laser hair removal, and soft tissue fillers. Laser skin resurfacing rose by 482 percent, cheek implants rose by 1,616 percent, and soft tissue fillers by 137 percent since 2000. Botulinum toxin treatments increased by 182 percent and became popular among men, earning the nickname “Brotox.” Over 265,000 male patients received botulinum toxin procedures in 2020 to treat crow’s feet and frown lines, indicating a continuing “Brotox Boom.” 

This significant increase in the number of men undergoing cosmetic procedures highlights a shift in societal norms and the growing desire for men to enhance their physical appearance.  

“The stigma of vanity surrounding cosmetic procedures for men has evaporated. Minimally invasive treatments with little downtime and natural-looking results give men the same benefits women have enjoyed for decades—enhanced self-esteem, confidence, and sociability,” says Cynthia Elliott, MD, owner and primary practitioner of Skinspirations in Clearwater, Florida.  

The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) reports that over the past 2–3 years, a greater percentage of men (14.4 percent or more) have expressed interest in esthetic surgical treatments. In fact, by 2024, the global market for men's grooming is anticipated to reach $81.2 billion. 

Men are undergoing more cosmetic procedures due to various factors such as social pressures to maintain a youthful appearance, the desire for self-improvement, and to remain competitive in both their career and personal life.  

“With the rise of post-pandemic videoconferencing, having a youthful face has gained importance since that is predominantly the only part of a person that co-workers and new clients see during video conferences,” notes Elliott. “At Skinspirations, our team of highly knowledgeable and skilled licensed aestheticians uses medical-grade products to help men, as well as women, achieve a certain level of enhancement to their appearance without attempting to look drastically different.” 

References 

Derm Appeal Blog. “The Growth of the Male Aesthetic Market.” Livderm. Accessed April 2023. www.livderm.org/the-growth-of-the-male-aesthetic-market. 

Safety in Beauty. “Male aesthetic treatments continue to rise in popularity 2022.” Accessed April 2023. https://safetyinbeauty.com/male-aesthetic-treatments-continue-to-rise-in...

Smith, Krista. “Male Plastic Surgery Is On The Rise — Here's Why.” The Aedition, August 15, 2019. https://aedit.com/aedition/what-you-need-to-know-about-male-plastic-surg....  

About Skinspirations  

Cynthia Elliott, MD, is the owner and primary practitioner of Skinspirations, a cosmetic and regenerative medical practice that provides injectable and laser aesthetic treatments, professional skin care, body contouring, and regenerative treatments for aesthetic and musculoskeletal concerns. Located in Clearwater, Florida, Elliott is valued for her medical expertise and her training on the national level for the makers of Botox Cosmetic and Juvéderm and internationally for Cutera Lasers. Her patients seek her expertise, knowing that she and her long-tenured staff have trained many professionals in the Tampa Bay area. Skinspirations has performed over 88,000 cosmetic medical treatments since 2005. For more information, visit www.skinspirations.com.