Daily Dose: More Men Getting Botox Treatments
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: In today's "Daily Dose," we're talking about botox. OK, we've talked about that before. But this time, we're talking about botox and men. Dermatologists say the number of men getting cosmetic treatments is on the rise. Joining us now to talk more about that Dr. Christopher Zachary, a professor in the department of Dermatology at the University of California at San Francisco. Dr. Zachary, good morning.</s>DR. CHRISTOPHER ZACHARY, UNIV. OF CALIF. SAN FRANCISCO: Hello, good morning. How are you?</s>KAGAN: I'm doing great. I'm a little thrilled here to find out that we women aren't the only ones freaking out about the lines. Men are freaking out, too.</s>ZACHARY: Oh, no. We men are catching up, you know. No indeed, I will be talking about a new trend amongst the male population in North America with regard to cosmetic procedures, and this is the scientific session of the American Academy of Dermatology meeting to held in Washington, D.C. this Friday.</s>KAGAN: This is when all of the big mucky mucks get together, and you are going to be talking about botox, just like when we girls get together.</s>ZACHARY: Well, absolutely.</s>KAGAN: Yes.</s>ZACHARY: Well, you know, the difference is -- the fact that cosmetic procedures are not just skin deep. You know, there are social and there are economic implications of looking your best. And, for instance, if you were in the market for a new car and you went down to the showroom this afternoon and there were two salesmen, nice guys, but one of them had a rather angry appearance to their face and the other one was relaxed and calm and very approachable, the chances are you'd go to the latter person to buy your car. And the same is true, if you're a lawyer in front of a jury, or a politician hoping to be the next president in front of voters, or...</s>KAGAN: Well, there's -- yes, well, there's that thing. There has been the suggestion that certain a presidential candidate out there might have been using botox, which we can't confirm or not confirm.</s>ZACHARY: Absolutely. No, I can't, and I'm not that individual's physician and couldn't comment anyway. But on the other hand, there's absolutely nothing wrong with looking your best. I mean, think about it. These guys are under intense scrutiny. All -- what is it -- nine of them are going around the country. They're tired. They've been talking 5, 10 times a day. I wouldn't be surprised if they looked a little bit haggard by the end of the day. So, anything that's going to help them actually would probably help them with votes.</s>KAGAN: Well, let's talk about botox. Does it help, first of all? And does it affect men differently than it affects women? For instance, do you have to inject more?</s>ZACHARY: Yes, you do actually have to inject a little bit more in men, and this is the whole point about botulinum toxin, or botox cosmetics as it's called, the trade name is. You have to take every single individual as an individual, and if they have more muscle, then they will require more units of botox. Botox is a purified protein, and as such, it just relaxes muscles, and it's very natural. And guys, they like to come in for a quick fix basically, something that's simple, effective, safe and very natural. So, at the end of the day when they go home, their colleagues or wives or whomever else don't notice the fact they've had anything done at all.</s>KAGAN: What about the cost?</s>ZACHARY: The cost -- you know, for one area could range anywhere from $200 to maybe $400. So, if, for instance, I have some angry lines down the middle of my -- in between my eyebrows, that might cost you in San Francisco maybe $320, probably a little bit more in New York. But honestly, it's an individual aspect of each physician.</s>KAGAN: And we're looking at a little before and after picture here of a patient. Would I be out of line to ask, have you done it?</s>ZACHARY: You know what? I have never had botox, but I wouldn't be adverse to it, frankly. Having been brought up in Britain, I don't actually have too much sun damage, and I don't appear to have too many creases. But the fact is when people have this done, they should really -- they should go to their dermatologist or any health professional or physician who has actually been properly trained and get the right treatment. It's important. This is a medical procedure. It should not be done in a hair salon or in a social gathering. It's a medical procedure, and it must be done properly.</s>KAGAN: No back alley botox</s>ZACHARY: No way. No way.</s>KAGAN: And, Dr. Zachary, I don't mean to suggest you need it. You're looking great, and you're going to do great at that conference.</s>ZACHARY: Thank you very much.</s>KAGAN: And we appreciate the information on men and botox.</s>ZACHARY: Well, thank you so much. You take care now.</s>KAGAN: Yes, we'll have to have you back.</s>ZACHARY: I'd like that.</s>KAGAN: Thank you so much. OK, Dr. Christopher Zachary from U.C. San Francisco. TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com.