Preventative Benefits of Botox - Identical Twin Study

I wanted to share this often-referenced study that compared the effects of Botox on facial lines in identical twins where one twin had undergone regular Botox treatments over the preceding 13 years, and the other twin only had Botox treatments twice, several years prior to the study.

The results found that the twin treated with Botox regularly (image on the right) did not show as many of the signs of aging as her minimally-treated sister (image on left). Neither twin received treatment in the lower 1/2 of their face and a similar degree of aging was seen giving support to the belief that the differences that are seen in the upper face are related to Botox.

Of course there are many factors that can contribute to skin aging, something I highlighted in another recent post with a different study of twins. But in this study the researchers concluded that long-term treatment with Botox could in fact prevent the development of facial lines like forehead lines and crow’s feet that are otherwise more visible at rest when left untreated.

Are You Sweating Too Much? Learn more about treating hyperhidrosis

Sweating is normal and necessary to help regulate body temperature, but excessive sweating can be a sign of a condition called hyperhidrosis. People with hyperhidrosis may produce up to 4-5 times the amount of sweat required to cool the body. This condition has been estimated to affect between 2-5% of the population.

If you are dealing with excessive sweating there are a few options to consider. First, an antiperspirant containing aluminum can be considered and can be more effective if applied at night. There are other treatment options to consider, both in office or at home, but Botox injections are one of the most effective.

Botox is FDA approved to treat excessive axilla or underarm sweating but may also be used “off label” in other areas such as palms of the hands. Botox works by temporarily blocking the nerve signal responsible for producing sweat. The effect can last 4-12 months and there is over 80% reduction in sweat. Most people comment they are completely dry and it is one of the treatments I perform with consistently high patient satisfaction!

Basics of Botox

Botox may not be for everyone but if you’re trying to decide if it’s right for you and want to understand a bit more about it, here’s some more information:

First, Botox is a brand name but the name is often used to describe a whole class of neuromodulators that includes Dysport, Xeomin and others that work in a similar manner. I will use “botox” here to describe these products generally.

With botox, the effect occurs at a specific location where it is injected in the muscle and attaches to nerve endings. Once attached it inhibits the release of the neurotransmitter responsible for triggering muscle contractions. This reduces the strength of the muscle, thereby minimizing the appearance of wrinkles as muscles remain relaxed. The effects will generally last for 3-6 months.

One of the most common uses for botox is to treat lines in the upper third of the face. These lines are formed due to repetitive muscle movement. One location is the glabella, where botox is used to treat the “11s” (the lines made when you frown). Botox can also be used to treat horizontal forehead lines, “crow’s feet” and "bunny lines."  There is a large list of areas that can be treated, both on and off label, but these are some of the most common.

“Baby botox” is a term sometimes used to describe treatment with smaller doses but the number of units needed varies from person to person depending on their goals, the treatment areas and strength of muscles. In general though botox can be used to soften the appearance of lines and wrinkles while maintaining natural movement and not “freezing” the face.

It's important to understand that botox works primarily to treat dynamic wrinkles, not static wrinkles. Dynamic wrinkles appear when you make facial expressions, for example when you furrow your brow or smile. For deeply etched in static lines (present at rest), botox may not help reduce completely and hyaluronic acid fillers could be considered to soften these lines further.

Botox 101

Some basic information for anyone considering cosmetic botox or just curious to learn more... 🔍

Botox is a brand name for botulinum toxin A. The name is often used to describe a whole class of neuromodulators / neurotoxins but there are multiple products on the market, like Dysport,  that work in a similar manner. Fun Fact: Canada was the birthplace of cosmetic botox. It was pioneered by Vancouver physicians Drs. Jean & Alastair Carruthers (who I did my fellowship with) 

With botox, the effect occurs at a specific location where it is injected in the muscle. Here the botulinum toxin attaches to nerve endings. Once attached it inhibits the release of the neurotransmitter responsible for triggering muscle contractions. It reduces the strength of the muscle, thereby minimizing the appearance of wrinkles as muscles remain relaxed. The effects will generally last for 3-6 months.

One of the most common uses for botox is to treat lines in the upper third of the face. These lines are formed due to repetitive muscle movement. One location is the glabella, where botox is used to treat the “11s” (the lines made when you frown). Botox can also be used to treat horizontal forehead lines, “crow’s feet” and "bunny lines." We also use it to provide an eyebrow lift, to help with dimpling of the chin, and to treat masseters for TMJ pain and to slim the face. There is a large list of areas that can be treated, both on and off label, but these are some of the most common. “Baby botox” (smaller doses) may be used in younger patients to try to prevent the formation of lines over time. 

It's important to understand that Botox works to treat dynamic wrinkles, not static wrinkles.  Dynamic wrinkles only appear when you make facial expressions, for example when you furrow your brow, frown, or smile, so you don't see them when your face is still. For deeply etched in static lines, soft tissue fillers may need to be considered as well.

Only you can decide whether or not botox (or any other cosmetic treatment) is right for you. If you are looking for more information or ready to proceed, speak to a specialist trained in the use of injectables.