Botox: How Long Does it Last?
At a time when more people are forsaking invasive plastic surgery and searching for less pricey facial rejuvenations, the Internet is filled with queries about how long Botox lasts.
It’s a very timely question.
Why? A Botox-like product that takes effect quicker and lasts longer is headed for the U.S. cosmetic surgery market.
Used for years in Europe and South America under the name Dysport, the new wrinkle remover, Reloxin, is currently being tested by the F.D.A. before being released for the treatment of American wrinkles which have multiplied on many an American brow, thanks to a shaky economy and evaporating investment values.
Botox, priced at $350 to $500, usually lasts about three months and takes effect in the treatment area in about three to five days, say experts.
Dysport — which contains the same ingredients as Botox — kicks in sooner and is said to last about six months.
And the price?
Another good question! The short answer: watch for a price war.
It’s a blessing of the free market system. As two competing brands go head-to-head, the consumer benefits by paying less as each brand lowers its price to attract customers.
But consider: Botox in America has been king of the hill for several years, leading all other cosmetic procedures. In 2007, for instance, 4.6 million Botox treatments took place in 2007, for a total of $1.2 billion in sales. (You do the math – my calculator can’t carry that many zeros!)
That means the makers of Botox could lower its price quite a bit if Reloxin started to undercut the current cost of Botox.
The timing for Reloxin could not be better. The Wall Street Journal recently reported that people who want to hold onto jobs – or get new ones – are convinced a youthful, rested appearance is extremely important.
Both substances act in the same way to make crow’s feet and forehead wrinkles vanish.
Florida plastic surgeon and blogger Jacob Steiger, M.D. says that Reloxin also has a wrinkle-smoothing effect farther away from the point of injection.
admin @ March 26, 2009