Simon Cowell has admitted to using Botox, as has reality star Todd Chrisley – and while guys may be less open about using the age-defying injections, there are hundreds of thousands of men heading to the plastic surgeon’s office for these non-invasive procedures.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, over 400,000 men received Botox injections in 2014, marking a 337 percent increase since 2000. In addition, over 90,000 men received fillers, an 86 percent increase since 2000.
“In the last few years, there has been a surge of men seeking minimally invasive facial rejuvenation,” Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. Timothy Neavin tells PEOPLE. “More than ever, men are seeking beauty maintenance in the form of fillers and Botox because when they are properly administered, they work so well to create natural looking results with zero ‘evidence’ or downtime.”
Neavin says his average male Botox client is 50 years old, while men in their 20s and 30s may opt for fillers.
“The goal for many men isn’t to look younger,” he says. “They aim to look better, more attractive, more rested, and more fit.”
Dr. Saul Lahijani, CEO of the Beverly Hills Institute of Plastic Surgery, has also seen an increase in male patients – however, he believes there is still a stigma attached to men seeking these types of treatments.”The stigma still exists, but it is definitely becoming more accepted,” he tells PEOPLE. “I think we are generally becoming more accepting of men caring to maintain their appearance.”
Lahijani sees cosmetic procedures as just another aspect of the time and effort men dedicate to maintaining a healthy, youthful appearance.
“A lot of us are already going to the gym to take care of our health, and, of course, our physical fitness,” he says. “So why not take other measures to look and feel our best?”