Sex and the City 2 got plenty of bad press with critics declaring it dead even before it was released. While a lot of the bad press was attributed to caricaturing of central characters, who some said, were reduced to cartoons, there were many who blamed Chris Noth’s (Mr Big’s) immobile forehead for the movie’s demise. Between allegations of an all too obvious botox job, he however bought to light the fact, that men are afraid of the needle no more. And if you thought it was privy to only big movie stars and those whose bread was their face, then you are wrong. Vanity’s middle name is no longer woman, as the number of men, who opt for botox jabs have increased rapidly in the past few years.
Dr Chiranjeev Chabbra, who is a cosmetologist, says that it’s no longer gender based and explains that it’s the increasing awareness among the upwardly mobile generation that is leading to many undergoing this procedure. “Men regularly come to get treatment for wrinkles and lines on their face and most consider that looking young is an essential part of grooming. In fact, some of the patients say that they appear happier and more approachable after removing the frown lines,” she tells us. But seems like a pleasant appearance is not the only thing on their mind, when they decide to take the shot. Rahul*, who works with a KPO in Gurgaon says that being in marketing, the first impression on the client is the last impression and it better be good. “People give you importance if you look good. And though I am only 28, I was not happy looking old. So, when I took the treatment the change was great and I was happy with the compliments that came my way,” he said.
However, it’s not only the after effects, but also the decreasing stigma associated with the entire male cosmetic industry. As cosmetic physician, Dr Jamuna Pai tells us that few years ago, men wouldn’t admit using any product except for shaving cream, but now they have several reputed brands manufacturing cosmetic products only for men. “Apart from the usual expected clientele from Bollywood and TV actors we are regularly approached by industrialists and politicians, who are hauled in by their wives to make them look younger,” she remarks. And Sarnath Jain*, who works for a multinational company, exemplifies the lowering inhibitions of men towards cosmetic procedures. “I realised that the procedure was priced very reasonable and provided a better solution for my wrinkles so I decided to go for it,” he says nonchalantly.
*Some names have been changed on request