Does Study Show Botox Is Worth It?

I can’t resist making a devils advocate critique on ‘The first study of the effect of Botox’ recently presented at the American Academy of Dermatology Academy ’06 meeting in San Diego.

The study, an analysis of data from multiple studies, found that a large proportion of patients reported looking an average of five to six years younger than their current age after treatment for multiple upper facial lines with BOTOX(R). The actual findings: 63 percent of patients, compared to just 23 percent of patients receiving placebo. 

Hmm….For an investment of $NZ600-700 every few months, I would want a somewhat higher than 63% chance of apparent success.  If we analyse these results further, 23% of patients thought they looked younger with the placebo. So if we apply this placebo effect to the 63% we only have a potential real result of fewer than 49%. 

Patient satisfaction was used as the key measure of success.  Not that reliable, considering that every salesman knows that many buyers with post purchase dissatisfaction do attempt to justify their decision by convincing themselves that it was worthwhile. 

Admittedly the study presentation did make the point that clinical trials usually rely on physician assessments to measure treatment results, rather than patient assessments used here. 

So I guess this is good and bad news for cosmetic treatment providers.  As long as the patient “thinks” they look better, all is well. 

Just for your own information, when you seek out your next Botox treatment. These studies were based on the following treatment levels: 

39 % of patients received 20 U for glabellar lines,
44.8 % of patients received 12 U for bilateral treatment for crow’s feet,
62.5 % of patients received 64 U for multiple upper facial lines 

The results also showed that patients treated for multiple facial lines perceived that they looked younger than those who were treated with BOTOX for glabellar lines or crow’s feet alone. 

Like any treatment, it’s important for cosmeticians to help the patient set appropriate expectations and goals for treatment to ensure optimal results. And most of them act very professionally in this area. 

Worth the investment? Or are there better options now available? Many creams and serums now report as good or better results than injectibles such as Botox. And at a much lower cost!  Check out our antiaging cream reviews here.
 

…it’s up to you to ‘choose the way you age’ 

Nicola

Antiaging Wellness Site

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