Decreased Botox frequency has little effect on results

Portland, Ore. - New research suggests that the frequency of Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA, Allergan) injections can be decreased after about two years’ use without loss of most cosmetic benefits, news source ScienceDaily reports.

A study was conducted at Oregon Health & Science University, here, and presented at a recent meeting of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in Washington. Results suggest that after two years of treatment at recommended intervals, patients can potentially cut the frequency - and thereby the cost - of Botox treatments by half.

Researchers studied 50 women, age 30 to 50, who received regular Botox injections for two years, and found that after the patients had received injections every four months over that span, frequency could be adjusted to every six months with good results.

Based on previous studies, doctors advised patients wishing to reduce wrinkles in the glabellar region to have Botox injections every three months to maintain the cosmetic benefits.

Allergan funded the research with an unrestricted educational grant.