New Research: Neurotoxins & Climate

One complaint that I have had over the last several years is patients complaining of the longevity or efficacy of their neurotoxin treatment when they go on vacation or spend time outdoors in the sun. And while I have hypothesized that climate may impact their treatment, a study published in July of 2024 seems to also suggest that is true.

Recent findings from a study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery revealed that climate can greatly affect the dosage requirements for the cosmetic use of Botox.

The study included 523 women, aged 35-60 years, who received Botox to frown lines between 2012 and 2019 from a single provider practicing in two different geographical areas.

One center was in the United Kingdom, a low sun-exposure area, and the other in Malta, a high sun-exposure area.

The findings of this study suggest that the “low sun-exposure” participants required lower total average doses when compared to “high sun-exposure” participants even when controlling for potential confounders. It was noted that the difference in doses seen was small but may be relevant to dosing protocols in sunnier climates.

This study highlights the importance of tailoring neurotoxin treatments not just based on age and gender, but also on lifestyle and climate.

References:

1. Borsky, Kim L. MBBS, MD1; Rodrigues, Jeremy N. MBA, PhD, FRCS1,2; Rodrigues, Raina MBA, PhD, FRCS3,4. The Effect of Climate on the Dose Requirements of Botulinum Toxin A in Cosmetic Interventions. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 154(1):p 57e-62e, July 2024. | DOI: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000010913

2. Climate May Influence Botulinum Toxin A Dosage in Cosmetic Procedures - Medscape - July 08, 2024.