{"id":73868,"date":"2026-08-03T13:35:51","date_gmt":"2026-08-03T05:35:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/?p=73868"},"modified":"2026-08-03T13:35:51","modified_gmt":"2026-08-03T05:35:51","slug":"why-consumers-should-consider-the-long-term-safety-of-injectable-based-treatments","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/?p=73868","title":{"rendered":"Why consumers should consider the long-term safety of injectable-based treatments"},"content":{"rendered":"


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For many users, botulinum toxin type A, or BoNT-A, is attractive because it offers a temporary way to reduce the appearance of facial lines caused by smiling, squinting or frowning, without the need for surgery. But as treatments become more regular and start earlier in life, some patients begin to notice results do not last as long as they used to, or that the effect seems weaker than before.<\/p>\n

A recent Asia-Pacific-wide consumer study commissioned by global medical aesthetics company Merz Aesthetics surveyed 2,588 BoNT-A users in nine countries and territories, including Australia, Hong Kong, South Korea and Singapore. Conducted by research firm Frost & Sullivan, the study suggested that up to 81 per cent of respondents aged 21 to 55 had noticed a decline in the efficacy of their treatments over time \u2013 higher than levels reported in similar regional surveys from 2018 and 2021.<\/p>\n

When this happens, patients often assume the dose is too low, the product is no longer working, or a fast metabolism is to blame. In some cases, however, the issue may be secondary non-response: a form of resistance whereby the body develops neutralising antibodies that reduce the treatment\u2019s effect over time.<\/p>\n

\u201cPatients who notice diminished treatment results rarely describe it as resistance,\u201d says Dr Vasanop Vachiramon, a dermatologist at Thailand\u2019s Ramathibodi Hospital and corresponding author of the study \u201cIdentifying Different Immunoresistance Risk Profiles\u201d. \u201cThey report shorter duration, inconsistent results or changes they can\u2019t quite explain.\u201d<\/p>\n

When patients notice fading results, they may respond by shortening the interval between injections, increasing the dose or switching brands repeatedly, without recognising that the underlying issue may be BoNT-A resistance.<\/p>\n

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\"Consumers<\/div>
Consumers may be unaware of potential resistance to certain BoNT-A formulations<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Treatment formulations matter<\/strong><\/p>\n

BoNT-A is a purified protein derived from Clostridium botulinum.<\/em> It works by temporarily reducing the signals between nerves and muscles, helping the targeted muscles relax. In cosmetic practice, BoNT-A is administered by trained healthcare professionals in doses tailored to the treatment area and the patient\u2019s needs.<\/p>\n

Currently, there are more than 40 BoNT-A products on the market, each with unique formulations. Studies published on the US National Institutes of Health\u2019s (NIH) online platform have shown that repeated treatments with certain BoNT-A formulations may increase the chance of the immune system developing neutralising antibodies, which may reduce the treatment\u2019s effect over time. However, real-world resistance risk depends on many factors, including total cumulative dose, injection intervals and individual patient physiology.<\/p>\n

Merz Aesthetics\u2019 XEOMIN pure formulation contains only the active neurotoxin that temporarily restricts muscle contractions in treatment, and can be just as effective as other BoNT-A, the company says. It is formulated without complexing proteins linked to BoNT-A resistance, which are often found in other formulations. According to studies published by NIH, those complexing proteins are thought to have no active role in the efficacy of treatment.<\/p>\n

The risk of growing resistance to BoNT-A could also affect the efficacy of therapeutic treatments which use it as a prescription medicine to manage medical conditions affecting the salivary glands or muscles such as chronic migraines, an overactive bladder and post-stroke plasticity. It may also include chronic drooling, upper limb spasticity and eyelid spasms, according to a review on MDPI, a Swiss-based platform for scientific academics.<\/p>\n

Therefore, long-term planning for regular toxin users should address not only when to treat but also which formulation to choose and how to manage lifetime exposure \u2013 particularly for younger adults looking to use BoNT-A for many years.<\/p>\n

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\"Preparing<\/div>
Preparing for treatment with injectables.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Building awareness<\/strong><\/p>\n

To help bridge the awareness gap, Merz Aesthetics has developed an online<\/span> BoNT-A risk self-assessment tool intended as an educational resource. The questionnaire prompts users to reflect on treatment frequency, their history of switching between brands and perceived changes in results. While it is not intended to provide medical diagnosis or recommendations for treatments, it may provide a structured way to organise experiences that are often difficult to articulate.<\/div>\n

Dermatologists involved in developing the tool say it translates complex BoNT-A risk patterns into clearer talking points, enabling more focused discussions about long-term strategy in clinics.<\/p>\n

\u201cBy highlighting how these symptoms may be a result of their treatment-seeking behaviours, the tool enables discussions in clinical practice on how patients should best move forward with their upcoming treatments,\u201d Vachiramon says, who was part of the team that developed the tool.<\/p>\n

Dr Niamh Corduff, an Australian plastic surgeon and lead author of research into the real-world implications of BoNT-A resistance, is also keen to stress the importance of meaningful and constructive dialogue between practitioners and patients: \u201cTools that help support these conversations ensure choices are thoughtful, transparent and build treatment plans well into the future,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

The information provided in this article is for informational purposes and reference only, and is not intended to be and does not constitute any medical advice, pharmaceutical advice or any other advice. All content provided by the advertiser is purely its opinions, and SCMP does not warrant or represent that they are correct and will not be responsible for any loss or liability arising therefrom. Readers should consult your own doctors and seek medical advice for an informed decision instead of relying on the article. Any procedures involving injection should only be conducted by registered medical practitioners in Hong Kong.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n


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