Botox continues to rank as No. 1 non-surgical cosmetic procedure, with men jumping on the bandwagon as well.


It continues to be the No. 1 non-surgical cosmetic procedure, with nearly 5.7 million procedures in 2011 — Botulium Toxin Type A, or Botox.

And in 2011, Dr. Suzanne Bentz, medical director of Red Mountain Med Spa, and Dr. Jennifer Linder, a board certified dermatologist with a practice in Scottsdale, have both reported that Botox is consistently popular among their clients.

“Botox is the most requested non-surgical cosmetic procedure at Red Mountain Med Spa,” Bentz says. “Our Botox client base has increased steadily each year since our medical spas opened seven years ago.”

Among this increase of patients include men, who are reportedly more comfortable with the idea of Botulium injections.

Bentz says although men total about seven percent of the Botox user population, it’s becoming more acceptable. At Linder’s practice, the percentage of her male patients has increased by about a third.

Both doctors agree people are very satisfied with Botox, and Bentz attributes this satisfaction as the reason for the increase. Linder adds that this is also an easy way for people to feel good about themselves.

“It let’s them feel fresh; it lets them feel youthful in the workplace,” Linder says. “It gives them that mental competitive edge for both men and women.”

And this urge to gain and maintain that competitive edge is an attitude both the older and younger generations have adopted.

“The Baby Boomer has always been a steady customer for Botox,” Bentz says. “However, we are also seeing patients in their late 20s and early 30s starting to use Botox as a preventative measure. Keeping a youthful, refreshed appearance is also important to patients seeking work in a competitive job market that seems to favor younger applicants over older, more experience candidates.”

Aside from competitiveness in the workplace, Linder says her clients use Botox to look as healthy as they feel.

“People really do care about their overall health and wellness,” Linder says,” and that’s why they turn to Botox because it takes years off. And if it’s done well, you can’t tell that someone has done Botox.”

Plus, she says in the long term, it’s been shown to be preventative; Botox not only treats wrinkles, but also prevents new wrinkles from forming.

Areas patients focus on the most include the area between the eyes, or the “angry elevens,” as well as the horizontal lines across the forehead and the crow’s feet between the eyes.

Other uses for Botox include:

  • Diminishing upper lip lines;
  • Prevent downturn or frowning to the corner of the mouth;
  • Reducing the appearance of vertical neck lines;
  • Preventing sweating in the hands, feet and underarms;
  • To alleviate headaches;
  • To reduce acne.

But patients weren’t always comfortable with injectables.

In the past, Linder says, the No. 1 reason people were hesitant to do Botox was because they were afraid they were going to lose their expression. “But when Botox is done well,” Linder says, “you just look more rested; you still show expression.”

According to the American Academy of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery 2011 Statistics on Trends in Facial Plastic Surgery, 41 percent of patients were concerned about the results, more than how much it would cost, which comprised 31 percent of patients.

The key is finding a board certified physician. This is a step some people fail to take, especially when they’re trying to save a dollar or two.

“If the price sounds too good to be true,” Linder says, “it probably is. Shopping for the best price is not always the smartest thing to do.”

One thing to avoid? Botox parties. These may sound fun at first, but mixing alcohol with Botox may take a turn for the worst, especially in the wrong hands. This is something both doctors frown upon.

“Using Botox in a party setting can be dangerous, as often it is combined with alcohol, poor judgment and inexperienced or questionable medical professionals,” Bentz says.

For more information about Botox, visit redmountainmedspa.com or jenniferlindermd.com.

Jennifer Linder, M.D.
6710 E. Camelback Rd., #220, Scottsdale
(480) 946-7939

Red Mountain Med Spa
8550 Shea Blvd., #120, Scottsdale
(480) 991-4159

Scottsdale Living Magazine Summer 2012