Most of us understand that Botox can reduce the appearance of wrinkles; however, new studies have found that it can actually improve skin elasticity and suppleness.
According to a JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery study, using standard Botox techniques have shown an increase in skin elasticity. This elasticity is what keeps our skin looking youthful.
Dr. Thomas Wright, medical director of Laser, Lipo and Vein Center says “We’ve known for years about how effective Botox is for wrinkle reduction through its property of relaxing the muscles. This new study is exciting with the fact that it now increases collagen and elastin, both of which are necessary to keeping skin looking smooth and youthful.”
Botox treatments use onbotulinum toxin A to essentially contract the muscles in the treatment area to smooth out wrinkles. While toxin A is actually a poison, it is only the dose that makes it poisonous — Botox treatments only use a very small dose. In addition to treating wrinkles, Botox is also used in a variety of other medical conditions including migraines, excess sweating and leaky bladders.
The JAMA study states that by understanding how onbotulinum toxin A affects the skin’s elasticity can help physicians understand why, with repeated Botox treatments, there “appears to be a progressive reduction in wrinkle levels”.
The study observed 43 women over a nine month period. These women had mild wrinkles between the eyebrows and around the eye, and were injected with toxin A. They saw more elastic, pliable skin that was visible after only four months. These results led doctors to the conclusion that Botox can improve suppleness in the skin.
The study also stated that it provides further evidence that there is an alteration in the properties of the skin after injections of Botox. It further states that the results lasted three to four months. However, other researchers have stated that more research is necessary to confirm the results, as well as to further understand the biochemical impact on the skin.
While further research and study must be done to confirm the results, continued study can help plastic surgeons refine their strategies for long-term anti-aging procedures.
Dr. Wright states that this study shows the possibility for a new field of treatment options, as well as additional treatments for tricky skin conditions.
Dr. Wright and his staff can help you understand the intricacies of Botox, as well as determine if you are a good candidate for this or other wrinkle-reducing therapies.
