Cosmetic botulinum toxin: has it replaced more invasive facial procedures?

Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am. 2013 May;21(2):285-98. doi: 10.1016/j.fsc.2013.02.009.

Abstract

Botulinum toxin (BoNTA) has become the modern generation's treatment of choice for facial aging. Advanced uses of neurotoxin have treated specific areas of the face, in addition to the glabella, which is the only site for injection approved by the Food and Drug Administration. This article suggests that BoNTA has replaced surgical procedures that treat oral commissures, mild brow ptosis and brow asymmetries, and hypertrophic orbicularis oculi muscles. It is becoming increasingly used for lip asymmetry, platysmal banding, and necklift, although it has not replaced traditional procedures for the correction of these areas.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Video-Audio Media

MeSH terms

  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A / administration & dosage*
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A / adverse effects
  • Cosmetic Techniques* / adverse effects
  • Eyebrows
  • Face*
  • Forehead
  • Humans
  • Mouth
  • Neck
  • Neurotoxins / administration & dosage*
  • Neurotoxins / adverse effects
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care
  • Perioperative Care
  • Postoperative Complications / therapy
  • Rhytidoplasty / methods

Substances

  • Neurotoxins
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A