When Botulinum Toxin Doesn’t Work or Stops Working For You

It is easy to understand why Botulinum Toxin is the most popular treatment for facial lines and wrinkles. This injectable is safe, effective, and FDA-cleared for treating dynamic wrinkles or those that are formed due to facial expressions.

Botulinum Toxin is effectively used for minimizing the appearance of:

• Frown lines (glabella lines or angry 11s)
• Horizontal forehead lines
• Crow’s feet or wrinkles in the corners of the eyes
• Smoker’s lines (lines of top of the lips)

Immune response to Botulinum Toxin

While there is no doubt about the effectiveness of Botulinum Toxin, there are also cases where some patients develop an immune response to it. This is especially true with repeated application over an extended period of time. 

Less sensitivity or resistance over time can then minimize the effects of Botulinum Toxin. Do take note, however, that this doesn’t mean that this injectable is ineffective. 

If you had Botulinum Toxin before and notice that the treatment is not as effective, you may be wondering if there is an alternative you can try. Well, there is! At Cutis Laser Clinics in Singapore, we have IncobotulinumtoxinA, which is also known to treat dynamic facial wrinkles like Botulinum Toxin.

Continue reading to learn more about IncobotulinumtoxinA and what makes it different from Botulinum Toxin:

Botulinum toxin in a different formulation

IncobotulinumtoxinA is a US FDA approved anti-wrinkle treatment of moderate to severe frown lines. It is injected into muscles to temporarily reduce the appearance of frown lines in between the eyebrows, also known as angry ‘11’s or glabellar lines.

IncobotulinumtoxinA contains the same active ingredient as Botulinum Toxin type A, but in different formulation. It undergoes an additional purification step to make it free from accessory proteins, offering only a highly purified neurotoxin. It is also known as a “naked injectable”, as it doesn’t have any additives or other proteins. 

IncobotulinumtoxinA at work

Just like Botulinum Toxin, IncobotulinumtoxinA works by temporarily blocking the nerves to a muscle, reducing muscle contractions that can cause lines. It targets and blocks the release of the neurotransmitter that causes facial contractions, which then relaxes the muscles and smooths wrinkles away.  

IncobotulinumtoxinA is said to work faster, as it does not have additives or extra proteins outside. This is not true for Botulinum Toxin, which contains accessory or protective proteins that it needs to unravel from before it can bond to the facial muscles.

The purified form advantage

Since IncobotulinumtoxinA does not have any additives or accessory proteins, it provides a pure form of injectable that the body is less likely to reject or become resistant to. This also translates to lower risk of allergic reactions. This then makes it a good alternative for patients who have developed immunity or antibodies to Botulinum Toxin. 

Another thing that separates IncobotulinumtoxinA from Botulinum Toxin is that it can be stored at room temperature. Not requiring refrigeration means that this injectable is unlikely to become unstable and ineffective. IncobotulinumtoxinA, furthermore, is cheaper to ship. 

IncobotulinumtoxinA and its results

With IncobotulinumtoxinA, you may start to see visible smoothing as early as three to four days after treatment. However, the full effects can be seen after two weeks. The results can last at least 3 months in clinical trials, but may last significantly longer or shorter in individual patients.

It has the similar post treatment instructions as Botulinum Toxin. These include avoiding facial massages or manipulation of the area for three to four hours and vigorous exercise 24 hours after treatment. You should also stay away from alcohol on treatment day.

Check out our previous post to learn the things you need to know when getting Botulinum Toxin in Singapore.

Look only for a skilled injector 

A certified aesthetic doctor with many years of experience should only administer both Botulinum Toxin and IncobotulinumtoxinA. You should also look for someone who prefers a natural look and is conservative in providing injectable treatments. 

Do take note that the skills of the injector or doctor are an important factor to consider. This is because your result will primarily be based on the aesthetic doctor’s injection technique, artistry and eye for detail.

Schedule a Consultation Today

IncobotulinumtoxinA is worth considering as an anti-wrinkle treatment or if Botulinum Toxin stops working for you. Contact Cutis Laser Clinics today and schedule a consultation with one of our aesthetic doctors to determine whether IncobotulinumtoxinA or Botulinum Toxin is right for you.