Over the last few decades, Botox popularity has skyrocketed, becoming one of the top non-surgical cosmetic procedures for men and women as well as an innovative solution for a number of physical health problems. However, frequent use can leave some long-time patients with Botox immunity, the plateau at which their muscles are no longer as responsive as they once were. Learn more about this increasingly common condition as well as some of Dr. Kato’s recommended alternatives for keeping a smooth appearance even after your last treatment.
What is Botox Immunity?
As most patients know, Botox is a highly refined version of the Botulinum toxin, a form of neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. When injected into fine creases and wrinkles, this toxin freezes the muscle in place, keeping it from moving for several months at a time and thereby preventing these lines from deepening and more from developing. As the body begins to process the toxin, the paralysis fades unless retreated.
For patients with Botox immunity, the injection gradually loses its potency over time, leaving patients with results that are less effective for shorter periods of time. Once individuals reach this plateau, most are required to get larger doses of the injection each session, look for an alternative, or stop cosmetic treatment altogether.
New research has suggested that there are several potential causes of Botox immunity. For starters, new studies have shown that true immunity develops when continuous injections lead to the natural development of Botox-resistant antibodies. For these individuals, repeat treatment sessions allow the body to slowly build up a tolerance to the toxin to the point where they no longer achieve the same results as they used to.
Not all cases of Botox immunity are the result of true resistance. In some instances, the amount used, injection depth and even age of the Botox material can all prevent the treatment from being as effective as possible. In these instances, choosing a highly experienced practitioner with access to high quality Botox is especially important when making the decision to receive cosmetic procedures.
Solving Botox Immunity
While the idea of Botox immunity can be overwhelming, true Botox immunity is extremely rare, occurring in about 1-3% of patients. As with anything else, moderation and accurate application by a specialized cosmetic surgeon or specialist are the best preventive steps for avoiding true Botox immunity. A trained specialist will know exactly how much to administer, where to administer the injection, and when to recommend touch-ups as well as the frequency of follow-ups. This personalized treatment development will help ensure that your results remain effective after each visit.
Although Botox immunity is rare, there will always be a small percentage of patients facing resistance. For these individuals, there are non-surgical solutions that can help you achieve similar results without having to resort to surgery. One such solution is Dysport, another botulinum-based injectable that uses smaller molecules of the toxin than Botox. This change in the molecular structure of Dysport allows it to bypass any antibodies that may have developed in response to the Botox while still providing the same results. While traditional Botox lasts a touch longer than Dysport, the two options provide incredibly similar results and are FDA-approved for traditional cosmetic needs as well as some physical health problems.
Start Your Botox Treatment Journey at Aesthetic Art Today
Whether used to keep wrinkles at bay or address temporomandibular joint disorder, Botox has proven itself to be a highly effective solution for diverse cosmetic and health issues. Enjoy the full potential results of this treatment and avoid immunity by scheduling treatment with an experienced cosmetic specialist like Dr. Kato. At her Palm Springs practice, the entire Aesthetic Art team is committed to helping all patients make the most of their treatment by creating personalized treatment strategies for all individuals. To learn more about Botox and Dysport treatment, call 760-610-5558 to schedule your treatment consultation.