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Botox has long been looked down on for hiding wrinkles through partial paralysis of the face, but recent studies show that the procedure may actually help skin become more elastic and thus increase resistance to wrinkles. Botox is an injection that reduces the appearance of wrinkles by temporarily paralyzing the facial muscles. The extremely common and safe procedure has been mocked for being a superficial and fleeting remedy for vain celebrities, but now researchers are finding out the benefits may not just be skin-deep. Read on to learn more about the anti-aging effect Botox may have on wrinkles.
Botox May Increase Skin Elasticity
According to a Canadian study published in JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery by Dr. David Ellis of the University of Toronto and dermatologist Dr. James Bonaparte of the University of Ottawa, the drug may increase skin elasticity for the three to four months that it stays active. Basically, the initial concept of Botox was to paralyze the muscle so that your face is unable to form the wrinkle anymore since it can’t move. Now, studies are suggesting that Botox may actually be remodeling the skin to remove the wrinkle. Dermatologists noticed that even deep wrinkles that Botox didn’t erase became less severe while it was active, and are working on measuring the effect scientifically.
In the study cited above, Bonaparte and Ellis used a device that measures how much skin rebounds to its previous position, called a Cutometer. Our skin becomes less elastic as we age and recoils about 30 percent less at age 70 than it did at age 20. Flaccid skin makes the skin more prone to wrinkle and also makes us appear older. Bonaparte and Ellis discovered that when the effects of Botox were at their peak, the drug could increase elasticity by 30 percent, peaking at two months and then warning before dropping off at around four months.
How Botox Prevents Wrinkles From Forming
While research is still in the early stages and Bonaparte’s earlier work has been disputed, the current study mentioned above ruled out the argument that elasticity could be the result of swelling due to injection injury, since the skin will draw in more water and become more elastic for a week or two as it heals from injury. However, Bonaparte’s recent studies shows that injury would cause a different pattern of resistance to the suction compared to Botox. If Botox does add elasticity to skin, it may also help prevent wrinkles from forming and potentially be recommended as a proactive approach to aging. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, over 6.6 million Americans underwent treatment with Botox or a similar injection last year.
Contact Us Today
As we learn more about the potential benefits of Botox beyond corrective cosmetic uses, Botox and Botox-like procedures may be effective as a proactive approach to aging. Jimenez Chiropractic-Med Spa is a top med spa and chiropractic clinic in Miami. Call Jimenez Chiropractic-Med Spa to schedule an appointment for your aesthetic or chiropractic needs today.