Of course, women have been shouting about the power of anti-wrinkle injections for years (ok, some have been whispering it), but there are now plenty of men out there who like a bit of botulinum toxin to soften their lines and help slow the ageing process. One such guy is Thai-born Watty, 49, a travel industry representative from London, who was happy to have a chat to us about why he gets anti-wrinkle injections, the benefits he’s seen from the treatment and why he thinks British men are less willing to speak openly about getting aesthetic treatments like botulinum toxin.
Anti-Wrinkle Injections Make Me Look and Feel Good, So Why Not?
Hi Watty! Thanks for joining us today. Tell me about your aesthetics journey. When did you first decide to get anti-wrinkle injections?
The first time I ever got anti-wrinkle injections was about five years ago in Thailand, when I was about 45. I was happy with the way I looked, I just wanted to look a bit fresher. I’ve been getting the treatment with my practitioner Amar for about a year and a half now. I get it in my forehead and in the lines between my eyebrows.
And how often do you get anti-wrinkle treatment?
I get anti-wrinkle treatment once every three months. I don’t want my face to change too much, so I don’t get it more than that. I want to keep my face looking natural rather than not being able to move.
What have been the main benefits of getting anti-wrinkle injections for you?
For me, it’s more than just about how I look; it’s also about how I feel inside. I don’t want to be like Frankenstein’s bride, I want to look as good as I can for a man in my forties. I don’t go crazy with Botox, I just get a sprinkle.
I know some people are negative about anti-wrinkle injections, but it makes me look good and makes me feel good, so why not? When you feel good, everything is great! It’s not harming anyone else - you’re not robbing a bank to pay for it. You do it for yourself. At the end of the day, when I look and feel good, I can spread happiness to people around me. A lot of people don’t have confidence because they are judged for being ‘too fat’, ‘having too many wrinkles’, and that’s why they get treatments. But, for me, I get anti-wrinkle treatment just for myself because it makes me feel good and much more confident. It’s just the icing on the cake.
That sounds like a great reason to me! Do you think there's a difference between British and Thai culture with regards to aesthetic treatments?
In places like South Korea, men get all kinds of treatments - it’s so normal. Thailand is starting to follow this trend and it’s very normal for younger generations.
In the nicest, most respectful way, the UK is quite behind when it comes to men’s treatments. Some tend to think it’s a girl’s thing but there are lots of men who want to express themselves and are starting to look after themselves more. Not trying to change themselves; just look after themselves.
Twenty years ago, when I first came to Brighton, it was so difficult to find the right ingredients to cook Asian food, but now it’s everywhere. And there are even lots of kids now in the UK who like K Pop. The world’s getting smaller, so aesthetic treatments will become more common.
Another difference is that in Thailand they use a numbing solution before anti-wrinkle injections, but here in the UK, no. It depends on the practitioner as to whether it hurts, but my practitioner is light-handed, so it’s manageable.
Interesting stuff! Do you tell people you get anti-wrinkle injections?
Yes! Because 1) It’s not a crime and 2) it’s normal. It makes me feel good. It’s totally up to the individual, but I tell people, including my mum.
Love that! Finally, how did you choose your cosmetic practitioner?
I heard about Amar at AMS through a connection. It’s really important to choose a good practitioner. If I don’t trust someone, I don’t want to go. It’s not only about the treatment itself; it’s about the person injecting and their technique. Once upon a time, when I had Botox in Thailand, my eyebrows went strange after the treatment. I know this can happen, but you need to trust your practitioner can put it right.
Another thing I like about Amar is that he doesn’t over sell like some do. He doesn’t say ‘why don’t you try this or this…’ I really trust my specialist and he does a good job, so I always go back to him.
It's great to hear your story, Watty! Thanks so much for sharing.
If, like Watty, you fancy sharing your aesthetic story, get in touch at victoria.palmer@glowday.com or send me a DM on Instagram - @victoria.glowday
If you're interested in a consultation for the treatment of lines and wrinkles, you can now check out the hundreds of medically qualified practitioners listed on Glowday.