Myth: only women get botox. Culturally, we expect Black men to appear “effortlessly strong, unconcerned with appearance, or ‘low maintenance’,” founder and medical director of LuxMode Aesthetics & Wellness Dr. Hank tells ESSENCE. “As a result, seeking aesthetic care can feel like stepping outside accepted norms.” But, contrary to the stigma, strong men take the lead without waiting for others’ approval. That means being well-groomed with clean fingernails, a skincare routine, and of course, routine “brotox”.
Gaining nearly 80,000 followers on TikTok for his natural-looking facial balancing techniques, Hank is famous for showing that self-care for Black men doesn’t have to exclude cosmetic treatments. While many men fear getting work done will make them look unnatural or feel too feminine, he proves how botox can actually make men naturally more attractive: healthier, sharper, and more rested without appearing like something was even “done” at all.
Below, Hank explains what “brotox” are, what to expect from the treatment, and why they’re popular for Black men now.
What is “Brotox”?
“‘Brotox’ is a colloquial term for botulinum toxin treatments, such as Botox®, Xeomin®, or Daxxify®, performed on male patients,” Hank says. “These medications temporarily relax the facial muscles responsible for dynamic wrinkles, which are lines created by repeated expressions like frowning, squinting, or raising the eyebrows.” By reducing muscle activity in targeted areas, the results speak for themselves: smoother, more rested skin while still allowing natural movement.
Although the medication is the same for women, he says the treatment is nicknamed “brotox” because, when done on men, it’s tailored to masculine anatomy. “Men generally have stronger facial muscles, thicker skin, and different brow positioning, so dosing and placement are adjusted to soften lines while preserving natural expression and strong masculine features,” he says.
Unlike other professionals, however, Hank gained acclaim for his restorative approach rather than fully altering his patients’ appearance. While many of his male patients receive a combination of treatments—including dermal fillers for enhance facial structure, biostimulators to improve collagen over time, and medical-grade skincare for greater skin health—his results prove small, undetectable tweaks make all the difference.
Why is brotox popular for Black men?
In today’s beauty landscape, cosmetic treatments are more casual, quiet, and undetectable. At the same time, Hank points out there’s a broader cultural acceptance of male self-care. “Skincare, fitness, grooming, and mental wellness are now openly discussed among men in ways they were not a decade ago,” he says. “Aesthetic treatments are increasingly viewed as an extension of those habits rather than something separate or taboo.”
You may like how you look, but simply want a more sculpted jawline, to look less tired, or more relaxed and refined. “Most men are not seeking dramatic change; they want improvement without attention,” he says. “The ability to look sharper, healthier, and more confident without anyone knowing why makes these treatments especially appealing.”
In one of Hank’s videos with over 180,000 likes, comments prove just how natural the results look. “He just looks like a more enhanced version of himself,” read one comment. “Looks good. Major yet subtle difference,” read another. Meanwhile, others say they can’t even tell what was done, despite a combination of forehead botox, cheek filler, and jawline filler. “I can’t tell what’s been done but WOW,” a third wrote.
What do men target compared to women?
Unlike Black women who often emphasize brow shaping, lip enhancement, cheek contouring, and softer facial curves, men usually target other concerns. According to Hank, “men most commonly treat the frown lines between the eyebrows, forehead lines, and crow’s feet because these areas can make someone look angry, stressed, or fatigued even when they feel fine.”
While both men and women target wrinkles, “many men are increasingly seeking sharper, more defined features rather than softer rejuvenation,” he says. “Structural facial balancing with dermal fillers is often used to strengthen the jawline, improve chin projection, and support the midface in a way that enhances angularity rather than fullness.” Other than injectables, Hank says skin quality is also a major priority with men, who want even-toned, clear skin with reduced hyperpigmentation, less visible pores, and a healthy, polished appearance that still looks natural and masculine.
What’s the stigma behind Black men getting botox?
Despite how natural the results look, the Black community often strictly enforces gender norms which is a barrier when it comes to Black men and botox. But, that’s just one layer of the stigma. “There may be concerns about social judgment from peers, family, or professional circles, as well as a general mistrust of medical systems rooted in historical inequities,” Hank notes. “Ultimately, the stigma persists not because Black men are uninterested in self-care, but because the industry has not always made it clear that they are seen, understood, and welcomed.”
What to Expect at Your Brotox Appointment
“Appointments typically begin with a comprehensive consultation that explores the patient’s goals, concerns, medical history, lifestyle, and facial anatomy,” Hank says. Using technology to analyze your facial proportions, symmetry, and age-related changes, in addition to skin health—tone, texture, and pigmentation play a major role in overall appearance—he develops a personalized plan based on what you want to achieve and what will make for the most balanced, natural results.
“This plan may include neuromodulators to relax dynamic wrinkles, dermal fillers to restore structure and definition, biostimulators to gradually improve collagen and skin firmness, and medical-grade skincare to optimize skin quality,” he says. Neuromodulator treatments, for example, typically take about 5 to 15 minutes, while more comprehensive facial balancing procedures may take longer. However, “most treatments involve minimal discomfort and occur in an outpatient setting, allowing patients to return to work or daily activities immediately afterward.”
What does recovery consist of?
“Recovery is generally minimal,” he says. Besides temporary redness, mild swelling, or small bumps at the injection sites, and occasional bruising, most patients resume normal activities the same day. After about two weeks, patients are typically scheduled for a follow-up visit to assess results and determine whether any refinements are needed.
How long do results last?
“Neuromodulator effects develop gradually over several days, with full results appearing around two weeks,” he says. Meanwhile, “dermal filler results are often visible immediately, with refinement as swelling subsides, while biostimulators produce gradual improvements over time as collagen forms.”
While results typically begin within several days, with full effect around two weeks, and depending on the formulation used, can last about three to six months.