How to make Botox last longer, plastic surgeon reveals

Worth a shot?

Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. Sarmela Sunder is revealing a simple way to make Botox injections last longer.

In a TikTok that has attracted nearly 17,000 views since March, Sunder touts the benefits of the mineral zinc.

“If you love the effects of Botox and you want it to last longer, consider taking a zinc supplement,” Sunder said in the clip.

“There’s a study that shows that taking a zinc supplement can prolong the duration of the Botox effects,” she continued. “Take about 15 milligrams a day and see if that helps.”

Sunder noted to The Post Monday that some studies have shown that by taking zinc, Botox can last up to 20% to 30% longer “than in a state of zinc depletion.”

However, she pointed out that these results can vary by person.

Botox — the cosmetic form of the botulinum toxin — is an injection that temporarily relaxes the muscles in the face, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Typically, injections last three to four months on their own.

“For patients that really feel that Botox just lasts weeks and they don’t want to increase the dose, I do have patients try this,” Sunder told The Post in an email. “It works better on some patients than on others.”

“The only guaranteed way to increase longevity of Botox (or similar neuromodulators) is to increase the dose that’s injected,” she added.

In a follow-up video, Sunder explained why zinc works to help maintain the results of a Botox injection, highlighting that the mineral interacts with a certain protein in the cosmetic liquid.

“Basically, zinc is important for the activity of a component of the Botox protein,” Sunder said. “It plays a role and affects how the toxin binds to its target relatively soon after it is injected.”

The plastic surgeon said that the “stronger the attachment of the protein,” the longer the Botox and its wrinkle-free effects last.

It’s important to start taking zinc supplements before a Botox appointment, Sunder noted.

“The activity that’s based on zinc is lost within hours after injection,” she said. “And because each Botox molecule requires a zinc molecule in order to be effective, you want to make sure you have enough zinc to make it effective and last as long as possible.”

But, like anything else, there can be some side effects.

“Zinc can be irritating to some people’s gastrointestinal system, so if someone is already prone to GI issues or has issues with nausea, I warn them about that side effect,” Sunder told The Post.

And for those who don’t love the effects of Botox on their faces, the TikTok doc also has some tips for reversing its effects.

She recommends exercising more, as there has been evidence that having a higher metabolic rate can make the effects of Botox wear off more quickly, as well as increasing blood flow to the area injected.

She advises using the back of an electric toothbrush on the area to increase the blood flow.