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Topics: Beauty, Sex and Relationships
Liv Bridge
Medics claim a procedure known as 'scrotox' is on the rise with some concerning side effects.
Whether it's salmon sperm facials (as tried and tested by Jennifer Aniston) or pills and jabs that promise to help us lose weight or reverse the clock, the beauty industry doesn't rest.
Now, there's an even stranger cosmetic tweak up for grabs for men, which is a little below the belt...
The procedure known as 'scrotox' does exactly what it sounds like - Botox to the balls.
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A little more than a decade ago, most men were seeking the treatment to ease health conditions.
However, now around '80 percent' are 'seeking an aesthetic result, rather than addressing a purely medical concern', according to Dr Mike Tee, a senior doctor at the Harley Street Skin Clinic, reports Indy100.
Apparently, the procedure has rocketed in popularity among those who feel self-conscious about their scrotum as Dr Tee says it's appealing for men who want to achieve a smoother, less wrinkled appearance or a lower-hanging look down there.
Some also turn to scrotox to help manage health conditions like cremasteric muscle hyperactivity or hyperhidrosis on the scrotum.
According to the Mayo Clinic, hyperhidrosis is diagnosed when patients suffer excessive sweating regardless of heat or exercise.
"In adult men, an overactive cremasteric muscle can cause involuntary and frequent tight contractions, which can be very painful," Dr Tee told the outlet. "Once again, both physical activity and sexual activity can be affected."
The medic said botulinum toxin is 'generally safe' with 'plenty of clinical studies and a long history of patient use to support it'.
However, he warns men to exercise caution when seeking the procedure, stressing the importance of a qualified medical professional and a clean, safe environment.
Dr Tee said there are also some side effects to be mindful of, warning that tenderness, sensitivity and bruising are common.
Some other unintended consequences could see men suffer with asymmetry, where the scrotum appears to hang lower on one side, or 'over relaxation', where it might loosen more than the patient wants it to.
If the toxin spreads, it could also cause weakness in nearby muscles and, horrifyingly, urinary or sexual dysfunction, Dr Tee noted.
Rare complications like allergic reactions prompting a rash, dizziness or even anaphylaxis can also happen in severe cases, as well as a risk of infection, as is the case with any injection.
If all goes well, however, recovery is fortunately also considered pretty quick after the procedure.
Dr Tee said: "Recovery is typically quick, with most patients returning to normal daily activities immediately after treatment. There may be some tenderness and redness in the first 24 to 48 hours. I advise patients to avoid sexual activity, hot baths, or exercise during this time.
"It’s important to wear loose clothing, keep the area clean, and take general care for the following seven days. Effects will begin to appear gradually, with full results visible between two and four weeks."