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2024.06.04

Is it true that Botox can cause antibodies? Causes and prevention methods you should know

明石 仙姫
Supervising Physician
Senhime Akashi

With deep medical insight cultivated as an internal medicine specialist, I bridge aesthetic surgery, dermatology, and internal medicine. Having spent my childhood in China, I communicate fluently in Japanese, Chinese, English, and Korean. Possessing an international perspective—evidenced by invitations to present at overseas conferences—I actively promote techniques as a Key Opinion Leader (KOL) for GOURI and REJURAN®. My specialty procedures include double eyelid surgery, skin-nurturing boosters, and body hyaluronic acid treatments. My approach leverages the holistic understanding of the body cultivated through internal medicine to guide patients toward natural, healthy beauty.

コアトックス

Is it true that if you keep getting Botox injections, your body builds up antibodies and it stops working?

Many people share this concern.

This time, Dr. Senki Akashi of BIANCA CLINIC explains the mechanism behind Botox antibody formation and key points to prevent antibody production.

 

BIANCA Akashi Senki, MD Profile

Spent childhood in China and is trilingual in Chinese, Korean, and Japanese. After graduating from Nagoya University School of Medicine, she specialized in internal medicine with a focus on diabetes and endocrinology, becoming a board-certified internist. Subsequently, she gained experience performing over 5,000 surgical procedures and injectable treatments at a major cosmetic surgery clinic, later serving as director of a clinic in central Tokyo. She specializes in eye area surgeries, particularly double eyelid suture procedures and dark circle treatments. Currently at BIANCA Clinic, he supports patients in achieving a naturally beautiful glow from the inside out, encompassing all aspects of cosmetic surgery, medical aesthetics, and cosmetic dermatology.

 

<Professional Affiliations and Qualifications>

・Japanese Society of Internal Medicine Board-Certified Internist

・Japanese Diabetes Society

・Japanese Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

・Japanese Society of Anti-Aging Medicine

 

<Check out more information about Dr. Akashi Senki's Aesthetic Medicine here>

Dr. Akashi Senki's Instagram account isHere

The official Instagram account for BIANCA isHere

The official YouTube account for BIANCA isHere

 

What exactly are "antibodies" in Botox?

"Antibodies" are,A type of protein produced to destroy "foreign substances" such as viruses and bacteria that have entered the body.

Botox preparations may also be regarded as "foreign substances" and attacked.

The reason antibodies pose a problem is that they can cause the effects of Botox injections to gradually diminish.

(However, this is an extremely rare case.)

 

Three Key Points to Reduce the Risk of Botox Antibodies

明石仙姫医師のボトックス施術

To prevent the formation of Botox antibodies, follow these three key points:

 

Choose formulations with fewer impurities

One cause of antibody formation is unwanted proteins (impurities) in the formulation.

Actually, the amount of impurities contained in Botox formulations varies from product to product.

Bianca Clinic offers "CoreTox," a botulinum toxin product manufactured by Medytox in South Korea.

With few impurities,Compared to conventional formulations, it carries a lower risk of antibody production.It is said that.

 

If you're getting multiple areas done, have them all treated at once.

When receiving regular Botox injections in multiple areas such as the forehead, between the eyebrows, and jawline, it's best to schedule all treatments on the same day rather than spreading them out over separate appointments.

It is recommended to wait at least three months between treatments.

 

Keep to the appropriate amount

Using too much Botox increases the risk of antibodies, but conversely, using too little will not produce sufficient results.

At Bianca Clinic, we set the appropriate number of units based on each patient's individual muscle condition and location.

 

What is the actual probability of developing antibodies?

ボトックスの抗体が心配な女性

"Even so, I still think it's scary if antibodies develop..." you might be thinking.

However, the actual risk is extremely low.

In a large-scale clinical trial conducted by Allergan (Naumann M et al., 2010), only 11 out of 2,240 participants tested positive for antibodies.

In fact, there are reports indicating that only three individuals experienced a complete loss of Botox's effects.

Thus, as long as the correct usage is followed, most people can continue Botox treatment without experiencing adverse effects from antibodies.

 

Reference:【Naumann M et al. Mov Disord 2010;25(13):2211-2218】

 

 

The risk of Botox antibodies can be reduced with proper knowledge.

The risk of developing antibodies to Botox can be reduced by carefully selecting the formulation, maintaining appropriate treatment intervals, and using the correct dosage.

The risk of antibodies certainly exists, but with proper knowledge and your doctor's support, there is no need to worry excessively.

At Bianca Clinic, we provide thorough support from selecting formulations to planning injections, so please feel free to consult with us with confidence.

 

HerePlease also see ▼

https://biancaclinic.jp/treatment_category/lips/lips_01/botox/

 

 

※This article is intended for general informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any specific disease. If you have health concerns, please consult your physician.

 

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