Botox Has Benefits You May Not Have Known

Botox, the first of a sea of injectable anti-aging products, is widely known today. The drug gained FDA-approval for cosmetic purposes more than a decade ago. Since that time, the initial use has expanded to include several others. Today, we turn to Botox when we want to smooth frown lines and crow’s feet and even when we want to stop excessive sweating. Patients who visit our San Antonio offices for Botox appreciate the temporary effects they achieve with just a few injections. What they may not know is that their treatment is doing more than reducing muscle contractions that cause lines and creases.

A Botox Superpower?

We’ve come to know Botox so well you’d think no one was researching this drug anymore. Not so. A recent study conducted by Canadian doctors sought to observe whether or not Botox may have an effect on the skin’s elasticity. The “stretchiness” of the skin is part of what makes it resilient. The ability to contract is also partially what fosters a youthful appearance. Could Botox possibly improve this trait? The Canadian study says yes.

The research project observed 43 women before and after their very first Botox treatment. Before injections were administered, each woman’s elasticity was measured using an instrument called a Cutometer. After Botox injections, each was then measured a few more times over the course of several months. As the effects of Botox developed, researchers found a correlating improvement in skin elasticity. Over the course of multiple post-treatment measurements, the doctors found that elasticity improved as much as 30 percent in some women. This increase was sustained as long as 4 months.

What This Means for the Future of Botox

The future of Botox has looked bright from the very beginning. The fact that research now points to an additional mechanism of action in this treatment only confirms that Botox is a powerful tool in the anti-aging arena. The authors of this study suggest that the improvement in elasticity after Botox treatment could provide long-term benefits by inhibiting the development of new wrinkles.

Learn what magic Botox holds for you. Contact our Sonterra or La Casita office to schedule your treatment.