Zinc Treatment Makes Botox Last Longer

The effects of Botox last 30 percent longer with zinc treatment

While Botox can treat muscular disorders, excessive sweating, and the appearance of wrinkles, its effects are temporary. Eventually, the medication will wear off. For people who receive regular injections, how long the effects last can have an impact on their pocketbook.

One doctor may have discovered a way to lengthen the gap between return visits significantly. Houston-based Dr. Charles Sopakar, an ocular plastic surgeon as well as a biochemist, has discovered that regulating your zinc levels can extend the effects of Botox by up to 30 percent.

Dr. Sopakar noticed some of his patients were not as receptive to Botox as others. One of his residents suggested their problem may be their diet, and that suggestion got Sopakar thinking.

“All the Botulinum toxins are zinc-dependent—metalloprotease—meaning they require zinc to work, meaning no zinc, they don’t work,” Soparkar said.

According to Dr. Sopakar, upwards of 50 percent of people are zinc deficient. He began to recommend patients take zinc supplements, which he mixed with a phytase enzyme, in the form of a drug called Zytase.

Dr. Sopakar prescribes his patients a regimen of Zytase for five days – four days before the treatment, as well as the day of. By doing this, he says his patients can expect longer-lasting results.

“Ninety-two percent of people in our study an increase in our effect,” Soparkar said.

Not only will this benefit people who use Botox cosmetically, but it could mean a great deal of relief for people who suffer from muscular disorders and eyelid spasms caused by conditions like blepharo disease.

Zytase is a prescription medication, so if you’re interested in extending the effects of Botox treatments, you’ll have to consult your doctor. However, some insurance companies are covering it when prescribed before Botox treatments.