It's a term that's been heard around the streets of LA and London for a while and now it seems it's hit the streets of Perth. According to cosmetic physician Dr Alana Rowick of Vice Aesthetics, Boytox is on the rise. 
For those of you unfamiliar with its meaning ‘Boytox' or ‘Bro-tox' (if you prefer the more street-cred version) is an unofficial industry term for Botox treatments for men. Up until recently men have been the small minority of the hundreds of Botox patients treated by Dr Rowick at her Claremont clinic. However the last 6 months has seen a 300% increase in male patients wanting to improve their appearance and opting for this non invasive surgical procedure. Dr Rowick says that her male patient's reasons for obtaining Botox don't really differ from those of her female patients. "They (male clients), are looking for something to improve their appearance and give them a little boost, Botox is like having a mini face lift so it can make you look years younger without being obvious to others that you've had something done." In general Australians are spending more on cosmetic procedures. In a 2009 media release, CPSA (The Cosmetic Physicians Society of Australia) reported that Australians spent $345 million on noninvasive cosmetic treatments in the 12 months prior to March 2009 - with wrinkle treatments being top of the list. Despite the economic downturn this was an increase of 15% on the previous 12 months. But why the dramatic increase in male patients? Ben (35), an entrepreneur from Nedlands who's been receiving Botox injections from Dr Rowick for over a year, believes it's simply because the ‘noise' and negativity that previously surrounded Botox is lifting and Botox is now being considered more mainstream.
This could certainly be true, whereas previously ‘who's had Botox' might have been left to tabloid speculation; many celebrities are now openly admitting it, including the boys.... Local ‘Boytoxer' Ben, admits he tried Botox more out of curiosity than anything else. "I saw something on TV about Botox and then Googled it to find out more, after I decided to give it a go my main concern was to find someone who was appropriately experienced to administer it, as I do have a small aversion to needles" he laughs.
Ben received Botox injections for the vertical lines between his eyebrows (scowl lines) and for the smile lines around his eyes (crows feet) - the most commonly treated areas by men - and was surprised at how comfortable he felt throughout the experience. Since his first treatment Ben has had three subsequent treatments to maintain the Botox (it gradually disappears after a period of time) advising that it has lasted a little longer with each treatment. "I certainly wouldn't go overboard with it, I am a strong believer in anything in moderation but I will continue to get Botox treatments on my frown lines and crows feet." Ben says. Why does he like it so much? "I am a very busy person and this is such a quick and relatively inexpensive way to improve your appearance. There's no downtime from work, you're in and out within half an hour and it's subtle, it freshens your appearance without people looking at you wondering what you've had done." When asked whether he admits to friends he's been ‘Boytoxed" Ben says. "Only when it comes up... I think going out of your way to tell people would make it out as though it's a bigger deal that what it really is. If however something arises during conversation regarding Botox I openly admit I have had it. I think men are interested in knowing about it and I have a few friends who have been influenced to try Botox themselves." As a result of more men openly discussing it, Ben believes that the trend of men obtaining Botox will continue to increase and may eventually reflect that of the UK. "I think men in general are taking better care of their appearance and really this is no different to slapping on some sunscreen when you're outdoors, or getting a good haircut." Ben's advice to any man considering Botox? "Do your homework and make sure you see a qualified medical practitioner, someone who specialises in the area and isn't just doing it as a sideline to their business...as with any doctor there is a level of trust involved so I think it's important that you feel comfortable with that person. I would also be wary of anyone who tries to talk you into getting additional work. ... you need to know what it is that you are wanting to achieve beforehand....other than that you really have nothing to lose ... the beauty of it is it's non permanent, so if you decide Botox is not for you it's gone within a few months." Botox treatments are relatively risk free and painless. They involve injecting tiny amounts of Botox (a trademarked protein derived from the bacteria Clostridium botulinum) into facial muscles which result in controlled weakening of the muscle and a relaxation of facial wrinkles. An average treatment takes approximately 15 minutes and maximum results are seen 7 to 10 days post treatment. Botox can also be used to help treat excessive sweating. The average cost of a Botox treatment is $600. Dr Rowick studied medicine at UWA and has specialised in the field of cosmetic medicine for the last 6 years and regularly attends international conferences to keep up to date with the latest advancements in cosmetic procedures. Dr Rowick performs Botox, Dermal Filler, Chemical Peels and Lipodissolve treatments at her clinic in Stirling Rd Claremont by appointment. Ph: 1300 771 857 - http://www.viceaesthetics.com/
For further information contact: Press release published by Seeking Media. http://www.seekingmedia.com.au/ |
