Does Zinc Make BOTOX® Last Longer? And Other FAQs

You might have seen influencers and even some dermatologists on social media recently recommending a “hack” to use zinc supplements to help your BOTOX last longer. But is this really true? Dr. West will dive into the details here, plus answer some other commonly asked questions about BOTOX and its effects.

1. Zinc and BOTOX: Is It True?

BOTOX requires zinc in order to bind to tissues and have the desired skin-smoothing effect. However, there is simply not enough clinical evidence to determine if oral zinc supplements can have a significant effect on the longevity of your BOTOX. 

The advice to take zinc to help BOTOX last longer comes primarily from one small study. The 2012 study included 77 patients and found that 92% of participants taking 50 mg of zinc saw a 30% increase in the duration of their BOTOX injections. While this certainly points to the necessity of larger, more extensive research, this alone isn’t enough clinical evidence to make any sweeping conclusions about the relationship between zinc and BOTOX just yet.

2. Are There Other Ways to Make BOTOX Last Longer?

The effects of BOTOX Cosmetic injections typically last 3 to 4 months. Exactly how long it will last for you depends largely on how quickly your body metabolizes it. For some people, the competitor product Dysport may last longer than BOTOX, but this still depends on your body.

As yet, there are simply no big secrets on how to make BOTOX or Dysport last longer. That said, taking great care of your skin by avoiding sun exposure, wearing sunscreen, not smoking, staying hydrated and getting good quality sleep can all help to reduce premature aging.

3. Does BOTOX Prevent Wrinkles?

A frequently cited study involving twin sisters demonstrates that the regular use of BOTOX earlier in life may help to prevent the formation of new lines and wrinkles as you get older. This is because BOTOX slows the progression of dynamic wrinkles into static wrinkles by temporarily paralyzing the muscles that cause those dynamic wrinkles to form. 

With fewer dynamic wrinkles contributing to collagen breakdown over time, there will also be fewer static wrinkles on the skin. So there does seem to be some truth to the idea that starting BOTOX at an earlier age will help you to have smoother skin that you would have had if you started treatment later.

4. What’s the “4 Hour Rule” for BOTOX?

Following what’s been called the “4 hour rule” can be good advice to help you get the most out of  BOTOX. This rule of thumb states that you should avoid lying down or bending over for at least 4 hours after getting BOTOX. This should help the product to stay where it was injected and not migrate into other areas. 

Dr. West also recommends that you avoid touching or massaging your face and engaging in strenuous physical activity for the first 24 hours after your BOTOX appointment. Otherwise, you can resume your normal daily activities right after getting BOTOX.

If you have more questions about BOTOX or would like to discuss your own personalized BOTOX treatment plan, don’t hesitate to call our Ann Arbor office at 734-971-0262 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with Dr. West today!