Botox is a popular cosmetic treatment used to reduce wrinkles and fine lines. It works by blocking the release of neurotransmitters, which prevents the muscles from contracting and creating wrinkles. While Botox is generally effective, it can stop working over time. This is because the body begins to form antibodies to the product, which can take months or years to develop.
Henry Claravall, Plastic Surgeon at Institute A. Teo, has been using Botox for more than a decade. He first heard about Xeomin, a product created to counteract the long-term effects of Botox, two years ago in Singapore. Since then, he has been using it regularly on himself and his patients in his Singapore clinic.
Xeomin is similar to Botox in that it also contains botulinum toxin, which acts to paralyze facial muscles and mitigate contraction of muscle fibers, thus smoothing wrinkles. However, it is different in that it does not contain accessory proteins that can nullify the action of Botox. This means that long-term users of Botox who have developed a type of immunity to those proteins may find that Xeomin works better for them. In addition to Xeomin, Botox can also be used to relieve underarm sweating (when antiperspirants don't work) or to relieve palmar hyperhidrosis, excessive sweating of the palms.
It is important to note that while long-term users may notice less sensitivity over time, that doesn't mean the brand isn't effective. It is also important to note that some people can become resistant to the effects of Botox over time. The results of Botox last between 2 and 6 months; the average result lasts between 3 and 4 months. This is because your body produces new neurotransmitters all the time, so the “blocking” effect of Botox gradually wears off as these chemicals begin to circulate back into the body.
Muscles are no longer inhibited. Unfortunately, there are unethical suppliers who sell Botox at a discount, which is either too diluted to maximize profit margins or is not really BOTOX at all. It is important to get a second opinion or switch to an MD injector before investing in additional BOTOX. According to those who do recognize the phenomenon of resistance to Botox, the figures are low, since between 1% and 3% of patients who are injected will develop toxin-blocking antibodies. A provider with experience in both can help you determine if Dysport is a better alternative to BOTOX for you. In 99% of cases where someone says that “their Botox did not work, disappeared too soon, or “metabolized it quickly”, the patient is usually given an insufficient dose. In conclusion, while Botox is generally effective in reducing wrinkles and fine lines, it can stop working over time due to the body forming antibodies against it. In such cases, Xeomin may be a better alternative as it does not contain accessory proteins that can nullify the action of Botox.
