Here’s Why People in Warmer Climates May Need More Botox

Did you know that where you live might influence how much Botox® you need? A recent study featured in an article by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) highlights an interesting link between sunnier climates and higher Botox dosing needs. While Botox remains one of the most effective non-surgical solutions for reducing expression-based wrinkles, proper dosing is key to experiencing natural, long-lasting results. 

Here, Richmond plastic surgeon Dr. Sharline Aboutanos discusses the study and her injection approach, plus she shares tips on how you can extend your Botox results. 

Results of the study

The 2024 study compared how much Botox was needed to fully relax glabellar muscles—the forehead muscles responsible for the “11s” or frown lines between your eyebrows—for patients in a high-sun region vs. patients in a low-sun region. Patients in sunnier climates needed an average of 29.2 units of Botox while patients in low-sun areas needed only 27.3 units. 

The study also reported that patients in the high-sun group needed more units on average in subsequent “touch-up” doses (2.24 units) compared to the low-sun patients (1.98 units) to experience the full effects of Botox. Even after adjusting for age, patients in sunnier climates still required more units of Botox to achieve the same level of muscle relaxation as the patients in low-sun climates. 

Why you may need more Botox in sunny climates

The glabellar muscles are the most active when you squint and may be larger and more developed in people who are exposed to more sunlight. Squinting is a natural response to bright light, so the more often you squint, the stronger and more active these muscles become. 

Neuromodulators like Botox and Daxxify work by temporarily reducing nerve signals to treated muscles so they do not fully contract and thus cannot form lines and wrinkles. Facial muscles that are more developed will naturally require a little more neurotoxin to relax contractions enough to keep your skin smooth. 

Botox is kept refrigerated between 36°F and 46°F to maintain its safety and potency prior to injection.

Other ways heat or sun exposure can affect Botox results

The article discusses how other factors, like higher temperatures or the direct effects of sunlight on the skin, could influence how Botox works in addition to glabellar muscle development. Once injected, patients are asked to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, strenuous exercise, and excessive heat from saunas or hot tubs for about 24 hours to allow the product to settle into the intended areas. This is because heat and rigorous activities increase your blood flow and may cause Botox to migrate to other areas or produce less noticeable wrinkle reduction. 

To maintain sterility and efficacy, Botox must be properly stored so that warmer temperatures cannot break down any of the ingredients or allow bacteria to grow inside the vial. Because higher temperatures can impact the efficacy of Botox both before it’s administered and after, it’s vital that patients looking for Botox in Richmond choose a highly qualified injector like board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sharline Aboutanos to perform their treatments. 

Dr. Aboutanos’ approach to Botox injections 

Tailoring Botox to the individual is key to achieving a beautifully natural-looking outcome. Each of Dr. Aboutanos’s patients receives a personalized assessment that considers not only facial muscle anatomy but also factors in overall skin health. This holistic approach allows her to recommend the most appropriate treatments for addressing your concerns; it also supports designing an optimal Botox dosage plan, injected in precise locations to safely achieve the desired level of smoothness. She also helps her patients schedule their touch-up injections to seamlessly maintain a youthful appearance. 

Dr. Aboutanos takes great care in using the right Botox dosage and injection sites to smooth your skin and still allow you to make natural facial expressions. 

Tips on how you can maximize your Botox results

Regardless of where you live, here are a few steps you can take to get the most out of your Botox treatments:

  • Protect your skin by wearing sunglasses and hats to reduce squinting and prevent further muscle activation and more frequent touch-ups.

  • Stick to your treatment schedule to keep wrinkles at bay. If you like your injector, continue your appointments with them as they will be the most familiar with your specific facial anatomy and response to Botox. 

  • Incorporate other aesthetic treatments into your routine like microneedling and laser treatments, and use medical-grade skincare to target signs of aging and other skincare concerns that Botox and Daxxify cannot address. These complementary treatments will enhance your wrinkle-free complexion by smoothing overall skin texture and tone. 

Looking for Botox in Richmond, VA? Schedule your appointment with Dr. Sharline Aboutanos

Your Botox results should look great and still allow you to express yourself naturally. If you’re looking for personalized Botox or Daxxify injections in Richmond, call Dr. Aboutanos at (804) 355-3410 or contact her online to make an appointment today. 

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