Botulinumtoxin is one of the most popular treatment against wrinkles especially in the upper third of the face. These static wrinkles are caused from the continuous movement of the upper face muscles. Botulinumtoxin relaxes the muscles thus fainting the wrinkles. It is a safe treatment that is used over 30 years from dermatologists for this purpose. It is administered through small injections especially on forehead, between the eyebrows, around the eyes and the mouth.
Most of us know that the duration of action of the toxin is 4 to 6 months. After this period the movement of the muscle is back to normal.
What happens though if someone repeats the treatment 2 to 3 times a year?
According to a study of identical twins the repetitive treatment of the upper face with botulinumtoxin has a long term anti-wrinkle action. Since the muscles are repeatedly paralysed the regular application prevents the creation of new static wrinkles. Furthermore a behavioural modification of the facial expressions is achieved since the patients become used to the fact not to be able to move some muscles. Even without botulinumtoxin they learn to avoid certain expressions.
In the photo from the study 2 identical tweens were evaluated. The patient on the left never had botulinumtoxin treatments and the patient on the right hat regular treatments 2 to 3 times a year over 10 years. The photos were taken without botulinumtoxin treatment. The patient on the right looked significantly younger compared with her sister.
The conclusion of the study was that the regular treatment with botulinum toxin is beneficial over the 6 months against the creation of new wrinkles.
Source: Long-term effects of botulinum toxin type A (Botox) on facial lines: a comparison in identical twins. William J Binder