During the recent annual meeting of the American Society for Dermatologic Study, results of an international review outlined some interesting findings about the overall effect of Botox treatments.
The review indicated that Botox treatments that were given over several years were shown to be safe, even when given along with other aesthetic treatments. Interestingly, it was also found that patients receiving those continuous Botox treatments perceived themselves as looking younger than their actual chronological age.
The results of this review were presented by Alastair Carruthers, FRCPC (Carruthers, 2014). The review results included findings from the study of 194 patients who were 18 years or older at the time of their first Botox treatment. These patients had also undergone at least five years of continuous treatment.
Patient records between 1999 and 2012 were reviewed by Carruthers and his colleagues. The records were evaluated as to the facial areas treated, the number of treatments and the dosage per treatment area, accompanying facial procedures and treatments, and any adverse events that may have occurred due to the treatments. Data was collected from more than 5,000 treatment sessions, reflecting an average of two or more treatments each year for a mean of 9.1 years.
The review found that the mean age of the initial injection was 46.3 years. Finally, they found that the longer patients underwent treatments, the younger they perceived themselves.
During the study, dosing numbers for glabellar (area between the eyebrows and above the nose) lines and crow’s feet remained stable; researchers found that treatments for horizontal forehead lines decreased since 1999.
Carruthers indicated that physicians are currently using less Botox per treatment to treat forehead lines, allowing them to produce a more natural looking result.
Patients in the study received additional noninvasive facial treatments. It was found that adverse effects were infrequent when these treatments were combined with Botox.
While the results of this review are very positive, Dr. Thomas Wright, medical director of Laser Lipo and Vein Center says, “It is important for patients to seek a qualified, experienced expert for any wrinkle-relaxing cosmetic procedure.” He continues, “Choosing an experienced physician is important so patients receive the best results of Botox or other similar treatments.”
Works Cited
Carruthers, A. (2014). Evolution of facial aesthetic treatment over five or more years: An international retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of continuous Onabotulinumtoxin-A treatment. American Society for Dermatologic Study Annual Meeting. San Diego: American Society for Dermatologic Study.
