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

Abstract

Background: 

Botulinum toxin A to the glabella is a popular cosmetic intervention. Functional musculature differences may arise from chronic behavioral adjustment to high sun exposure levels, requiring greater doses. This could affect clinical practice globally. This study investigated the effect of climate on real-world doses.

Methods: 

The authors conducted a comparative cohort study using data from a registry from a single provider practicing across two centers: the United Kingdom and Malta. They classified one center as low sun exposure (United Kingdom winter month treatment) and the other as high sun exposure (Malta summer months). Patients were followed up once every 3 weeks and received top-up doses until full clinical paralysis was achieved. To standardize the comparison, the study included only women aged 35 to 60 years undergoing glabellar botulinum toxin treatment by experienced clinicians following standard procedures from 2012 to 2019. Smokers, those not seeking maximal paralysis, those documented as not compliant with posttreatment advice, those with colds or fevers, and those with broken cold supply chains were excluded. Univariable and multivariable analyses were undertaken.

Results: 

A total of 523 patients were included: 292 “high-sun” patients and 231 “low-sun” patients. Mean total doses were significantly higher in the high-sun group (29.2 units versus 27.3 units; P = 0.0031). When correcting for age in multivariable analysis, the low-sun group still had lower total dose requirements (P = 0.00574).

Conclusion: 

Patients injected with glabellar botulinum toxin in high-sun climates may have significantly increased dose requirements to achieve maximal paralysis.