How can I see if the difference is due to treatment or a better lifestyle?

Look at the lines in the non treated area between the nose and mouth (nasolabial lines) in the non smiling photograph to compare the effects of aging as a result of lifestyle such as sun exposure, diet, stress and smoking.

There is very little difference in the depth of lines in each twin. This suggests that they have both been exposed to similar environmental factors which impact on aging.

One may assume that the reduced lines in the upper face of the treated twin is as a result of treatment and not as a result of a less aging lifestyle.

“The earlier you start the less aging effects and wrinkles will be evident”.

This answer is supported by a study conducted over 13 years of identical twins by Dr William J Binder.

This study looks at the long term effect of regular (2-3 times a year) wrinkle relaxing injections compared with only two treatments in the 13 years. Further studies are being conducted on identical twins to further assess this as this study only looks at one set of twins.

Treatment in each twin

Twin 1 – Treated twin : – Treatment consisted of

a) Frown and forehead region 2-3 times a year for 13 years

b) Crow’s feet – 2 times in the two years prior to the photographs.

Twin 2 – Untreated twin

A ) Glabella and forehead regions 2 times only, 7 and 2 years prior to the photographs.

 

Is the Treatment More or Less Effective Over Time?

In the treated twin the clinical effect was consistently sustained for at least 6 months and the duration of effect did not diminish with repeated treatments. The dosage also remained stable over the 13 years of treatment.

There are reports in the literature showing that, compared to a single treatment, repeat injections may enhance response rates and prolong duration of action.

Conclusion

Long-term treatment with wrinkle relaxing injections can prevent the development of imprinted facial lines that are visible at rest. Such treatment is well tolerated, with no adverse events reported during 13 years of regular treatment in this study.

 

Reference

Lack of Forehead and Glabella Lines after Long-Term Botulinum Toxin Type A Treatment: A Comparison in Identical Twins by William J Binder, MD, FACS Beverly Hills, California

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