Higher Botulinum Toxin Doses May Be Needed in Sunnier Climes, Says Study

A recent study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery has revealed that higher doses of botulinum toxin may be required to achieve optimal results in regions with higher sun exposure. This finding could have significant implications for cosmetic practitioners, particularly those working in sunnier climates.

The research compared the outcomes of glabellar treatments between two groups of women. The first group, consisting of 292 women, was treated in Malta during the summer, while the second group, comprising 231 women, was treated in London during the winter. The results showed that the Malta group required a higher average dose of toxin – 29.2 units compared to 27.3 units in the London group. The Malta group also needed more frequent top-up doses, averaging 2.24 units versus 1.98 units in the London group.

The study’s lead author, Dr Kim Borsky, a surgical trainee, suggested that the increased dosage requirement in sunnier climates could be due to several factors. One possibility is that higher temperatures or direct sunlight affect the body’s response to the toxin. Another theory is that the glabellar muscles, which are more active in summer due to increased squinting from bright sunlight, may require a higher dose for effective paralysis.

“Our results indicate that practitioners may need to adjust their toxin dosing protocols to account for the effects of climate on the results of this cosmetic treatment,” Dr Borsky commented. The study’s findings underscore the importance of considering environmental factors in cosmetic procedures, particularly in regions with significant sun exposure.