“My Botox didn’t last long!” What influences the lifespan of neurotoxins?
Botox type A is a complex, three-dimensional protein composed of a heavy and light chain. There are several brands of Botox approved for cosmetic use in the Netherlands, including Botox®, Azzalure™ (Dysport®) and Bocouture™ (Xeomin®). Most of these Botox Type A products are similar, but there are some key differences that make them more vulnerable to damage and affect our ability to predict results.
One production factor that may affect longevity is the stabilizing proteins within each brand, or lack thereof; Bocouture has fewer stabilizing proteins than Azzalure and Botox. How these differences directly affect each product is probably a closely guarded commercial secret. In practice, we see that Azzalure and Botox generally last longer than Bocouture.
Patient factors that may affect the longevity of Botox may affect
Assuming our Botox product of choice is properly manufactured, another factor that can affect the longevity of treatment results is the individual patient.
You may find that it is during a heat wave that you experience less effect of Botox, and there is a reason for that. When you are hot there is more blood present in your skin and you can lose some of the administered dose before it reaches its target. It takes about twenty minutes for Botox to settle on the nerve and reach its target. However, not enough research has been done to confirm this theory.
Another factor that can affect longevity is the time between treatments. Many patients have regular appointments – every three to four months as movement begins to return – to maintain the efficacy of their results. However, if there is no treatment for an extended period of time, say a year, the muscles become stronger and stronger. This directly affects the effectiveness of the Botox.
Genetics may also affect the longevity of Botox for relaxing wrinkles. Some patients will respond differently due to differences in their receptors, their anatomy that may affect muscle size, shape and strength, or rarely due to the development of immunity to toxin – an existing antibody or the development of an antibody from previous exposure to all or some brands of Botox.
Aftercare factors that may affect the longevity of Botox
It is important that patients understand and follow aftercare guidance, as this can also affect both initial outcome and longevity. For example, if a patient does something that exerts him, such as exercising immediately after his appointment, or makes his skin hot by visiting the sauna or spa, this can have a great effect on the efficacy of the Botox.
The message is that it is very difficult to determine exactly what does or does not affect the longevity of Botox treatments and what contributes to a less long-lasting result; it is important to stay in conversation with your doctor and figure out together what the possible cause may be.
