WA men chasing a youthful look in the workplace are opting for injectables from Botox to dermal fillers

WA men concerned about being edged out at work by younger colleagues are increasingly having “Brotox” and other injectable cosmetic procedures.

The rise in men requesting injectables, from Botox to dermal fillers, has been largely attributed to changing gender stereotypes, which practitioners say has made it more acceptable for men to care about their appearance.

It is also part of a wider boom in the global male grooming market, the value of which is forecast to go as high as $US190 billion ($A293b) by 2025.

High-profile Perth plastic surgeon Dr Anh Nguyen said about 20 per cent of her clients were now men.

“Years ago it would have been more like ten per cent but I think more and more it’s just routine,” she said. “With gay men it’s not at all unusual but the straight male population is a growing thing.

“I think there’s a professional element in the sense of it’s about longevity and looking more vital for work so they can work a bit longer. They say ‘I don’t want to be replaced by someone younger’.

“I also see some men in second marriages who want to pick up their kids from school and not look like the grandad.”

Dr Nguyen said most men did not want to look they have had anything done.

“Most of the males I see say ‘I trust you, just don’t make me look like I’ve had something done because my mates will pay me out’,” she said.

Youth Lab cosmetic physician Kate Jameson said she had seen a big jump in the number of men seeking treatment in the past five years.

“At Youth Lab, and in the wider cosmetic industry, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of men interested in cosmetic procedures, including cosmetic injectables and other treatments such as skin treatments and lasers,” she said.

“We see white collar professionals for injectables who wish to appear fresh, youthful, and confident within the workplace.

“The rise of virtual meetings has meant that a lot of professionals are now looking at themselves on screen far more than they used to. As a result they tend to be more aware of signs of ageing when they appear.

“We also see a large number of FIFO workers who visit Youth Lab for regular hydrafacials to clean and nourish their skin and prevent dehydration after long hours working outdoors and frequent travel.”

Ms Jameson chalked up the trend partly to a cultural shift as well as social media, saying treatments have been normalised for millennials and gen-z men.

“There has been a changing perception of masculinity in society, with more emphasis on grooming, self-care, and appearance,” she said. “The stigma is decreasing and men now feel comfortable to seek help with their skin.

“In recent months I have seen more men mention their professional life in their motivations behind seeking a cosmetic treatment. I do not think the pressure to ‘look younger’ is as high as with women in the workplace but men are certainly feeling that looking the best version of themselves at any age can positively impact their confidence.”

Male celebrities who have been open about using injectables include singer Joe Jonas and reality TV show guru Simon Cowell, while just about every Hollywood actor over 40, from Tom Cruise to Brad Pitt, has been rumoured — but never publicly confirmed — to have done the same.