Advanced Techniques for the Use of Neurotoxins in Non-Surgical Facial Rejuvenation

Botulinum Toxin for Aesthetic Use in Facial and Cervical Regions: A Review of the Techniques Currently Used in Dermatology

Botulinum toxin infiltration is one of the most widely performed aesthetic procedures at the aesthetic dermatology office. Although infiltrative techniques have been known for quite a few years, several changes have been described so far, mainly based on anatomical knowledge. There are consensus guidelines available for injecting neuromodulators where one can see both the doses of toxin indicated for each muscle and the injection techniques. After a systematic review of the articles currently available, this article intends to summarize the infiltration techniques described both for the face and neck, while considering new anatomical considerations, new injection techniques published to date, and pearls and tricks for a better understanding of how to inject the botulinum toxin and improve our injection techniques. In our opinion it is important to treat the lower third to complement the treatment of the upper third and, in some patients, the partial blocking of some muscles of the middle third. With this comprehensive treatment of face and neck muscles we can achieve more natural and harmonious results.

Optimized Aesthetic Outcomes When Treating Glabellar Lines with Botulinum Toxin Type A: GLO 3 + 2: A Precise Technique Based on Anatomy

Good patient outcomes after treatment of the glabellar complex with botulinum toxin type A entail elimination of glabellar lines and maintenance of a natural eyebrow position. A precise injection technique that accurately targets the muscles that influence eyebrow position is required to reduce the risk of adverse aesthetic outcomes or unmasking an underlying eyelid ptosis. Here, we describe the glabellar lines optimization (GLO 3 + 2) injection anatomy technique, a precise five-point injection pattern that is based on current understanding of facial functional anatomy and which aims to minimize the risk of affecting nontargeted muscles. Injection sites above the brow or that do not target the precise location of the muscles in the glabellar complex are likely to inadvertently expose the frontalis to botulinum toxin type A and result in undesirable aesthetic outcomes. Because the frontalis is a strong determinant of aesthetic outcomes, it is important to consider the overall effects of the interactions between the eyebrow depressors and the opposing forces of the frontalis on brow outcomes in both the resting brow position and during dynamic brow movement.

Impact of Glabellar Injection Technique With DaxibotulinumtoxinA for Injection on Brow Position

BACKGROUND

Precise injection technique is vital for avoiding suboptimal eyebrow position when treating glabellar lines with botulinum toxin type A.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of glabellar injection technique on eyebrow position in patients treated with DaxibotulinumtoxinA for Injection (DAXI).

METHODS

This retrospective post hoc analysis involved 60 adults who received a single treatment with DAXI 40 U to the glabella and had standardized facial photography. Median vertical and horizontal displacement of the brows (at rest) at baseline and 2 weeks after glabellar injection were measured. Brow position outcomes were evaluated by an oculoplastic surgeon and expert anatomist. Investigators were interviewed to ascertain individual injection techniques.

RESULTS

Precise injection location and depth, and median resting brow position following treatment varied between investigators. Positive brow outcomes were achieved with deep DAXI injections into the medial corrugator, superficial lateral corrugator injections placed between the midpupil and lateral limbus, and deep midline procerus injections. Glabellar injection technique that more precisely targeted the corrugator muscles resulted in longer glabellar line treatment duration compared to a less targeted technique. Medial corrugator injections above the medial brow; lateral corrugator injections administered deeply or more medially, toward the medial third of the brow; and procerus injections superior to the inferomedial brow tended to be associated with suboptimal outcomes that were more apparent during dynamic expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Aesthetically pleasing brow outcomes and greater duration of efficacy can be achieved with an injection pattern that precisely treats the anatomic location of the corrugator supercilii and procerus muscles, avoiding the frontalis.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4

Integrative Assessment for Optimizing Aesthetic Outcomes When Treating Glabellar Lines With Botulinum Toxin Type A: An Appreciation of the Role of the Frontalis

Despite the perception that treatment of glabellar lines with botulinum toxin A is straightforward, the reality is that the glabellar region contains a number of interrelated muscles. To avoid adverse outcomes, practitioners need to appreciate how treatment of 1 facial muscle group influences the relative dominance of others. In particular, practitioners need to understand the independent role of the frontalis in eyebrow outcomes and the potential for negative outcomes if the lower frontalis is unintentionally weakened by botulinum toxin A treatment. In addition, practitioners must recognize how inter-individual variation in the depth, shape, and muscle fiber orientation among the upper facial muscles can affect outcomes. For optimal results, treatment of the glabellar complex requires a systematic and individualized approach based on anatomical principles of opposing muscle actions rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. This review provides the anatomical justification for the importance of an integrated assessment of the upper facial muscles and eyebrow position prior to glabellar treatment. In addition, a systematic and broad evaluation system is provided that can be employed by practitioners to more comprehensively assess the glabellar region in order to optimize outcomes and avoid negatively impacting resting brow position and dynamic brow movement.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 5

Use of LetibotulinumtoxinA for Aesthetic Treatment of Asians: A Consensus

Treatment of wrinkles and dynamic lines with botulinum toxin has been a routine practice for years in aesthetic clinical settings. The effective treatment of wrinkles requires a comprehensive understanding of facial expression muscles and their interactions, the mechanism of action of botulinum toxin, and individual patient preferences. The dose adjustment practice and injection technique of physicians are affected by cultural differences; most Asian patients prefer natural-looking results. This article aims to present an expert consensus on the injection sites, doses, and levels of botulinum toxin for various indications in Asians, with the hope of providing guidance to some clinicians. This consensus paper reviews LetibotulinumtoxinA for patient evaluation, dosage, and delivery techniques in Asians from the time LetibotulinumtoxinA was approved up to December 2022. Panelists proposed individualized treatment plans for botulinum toxin type A (BTxA) treatments in 3 areas-wrinkle removal, contour adjustment, and face lifting-for Asians based on their extensive experience and knowledge of facial anatomy. When using a different BTxA, clinicians should start with a conservative dose and carefully individualize the treatment for each patient, and adjust it according to feedback to obtain a higher satisfaction level.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 5

Botulinum toxin A in dentistry and orofacial surgery: an evidence-based review - part 1: therapeutic applications

Objective An evidence-based review on the safety and efficacy of botulinum toxin type-A (BoNTA) in orofacial conditions, focusing on the therapeutic applications and role of BoNTA as an adjuvant treatment.Data source and selection Data was collected using PubMed (Medline), Cochrane Library of Systematic Reviews and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials electronic databases. Having satisfied the search parameters, 32 studies for therapeutic applications and 26 for BoNTA as an adjunctive treatment were included. The quality of relevant studies was assessed using the Best Evidence Topics (BETs) Critical Appraisal Tool.Data extraction The highest level of evidence (LOE) behind BoNTA safety and efficacy was for wound healing and scar management in the orofacial surgery context, where BoNTA was presented as an adjunctive modality. Level-I evidence was controversial for temporomandibular disorders and bruxism. However, it showed promising results for painful temporomandibular disorders of myogenic origin refractory to conservative therapies, and to decrease muscle contraction intensity in sleeping bruxism. There was only one level-II study for persistent recurrent aphthous stomatitis. Data showed limited level-III evidence for orofacial pain conditions (temporomandibular joint recurrent dislocation and pain, burning mouth syndrome or atypical odontalgia), oral cancer complications, or as an adjuvant to maxillofacial and orthognathic surgeries. Benefits of BoNTA in prosthodontics had weak level-IV evidence. No evidence was found among the periodontology field.Conclusion There is growing evidence to support the safety and efficacy of BoNTA in the investigated orofacial pathological conditions, with high levels of satisfaction from the patient and clinician perspective. However, there are some inconsistencies and limited high-quality evidence available. Well-designed controlled clinical trials are necessary to evaluate long-term safety, efficacy and cost-effectiveness before BoNTA is widely adopted with irrefutable evidence-based clinical guidelines.

A Retrospective and Anatomical Study Describing the Injection of Botulinum Neurotoxins in the Depressor Anguli Oris

SUMMARY

The depressor anguli oris acts to lower the lateral corners of the mouth and can cause an individual to appear sad or angry and contribute to the development of the labiomental folds. Many patients can benefit from the injection of small amounts of botulinum neurotoxin into the depressor anguli oris to enable the lip elevators to reposition the corners of the mouth. Although effective, the procedure is off-label, and the proximity of the depressor anguli oris to the depressor labii inferioris, particularly inferiorly, can lead to inadvertent treatment of the latter, resulting in lip asymmetry. The authors have taken a threefold approach to establish a depressor anguli oris injection technique that provides optimal aesthetic outcomes with a low incidence of adverse events. This involved, first, reviewing the limited existing literature for studies discussing depressor anguli oris anatomy and botulinum neurotoxin treatment technique; second, supplementing information from the published literature with information from cadaver dissections to demonstrate the relationship between the depressor anguli oris and surrounding anatomical structures; and third, performing a retrospective chart review of 275 patients treated with the authors' three-point injection technique. Combining data from published studies, cadaver dissections, and clinical experience, the authors demonstrate that a three-point technique performed in the upper half of the depressor anguli oris is associated with good clinical outcome and avoids common side effects related to injection or spread of neurotoxin to adjacent muscles.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, IV.

Orthognathic surgery and orthodontics associated with orofacial harmonization: Case report

Introduction and importance

Orthognathic surgery aims to restore the functional and esthetic standards of the face and non-surgical or minimally invasive procedures have been optimizing the results of facial orthosurgical treatments. This case report aimed to show the use of minimally invasive techniques that, associated with orthognathic surgery, represent a trend in current oral and maxillofacial rehabilitation.

Case presentation

A female patient, 28 years old, white, sought care from the Dentistry team of the São Vicente de Paulo Hospital, in Passo Fundo, Brazil, complaining of mandibular prognathism, anteroposterior maxillary deficiency, dental crowding, malocclusion, functional and esthetic changes that negatively affected her psychosocial interactions and stomatognathic function. The treatment involved orthodontics, orthognathic surgery, and orofacial harmonization with dermal fillers.

Clinical discussion

The multidisciplinarity among the specialties of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Traumatology, Orthodontics, and Orofacial Harmonization add and contribute to the process of planning and implementing the treatment proposed, as well as the prognosis toward patient satisfaction.

Conclusion

The surgical procedure associated with minimally invasive facial harmonization not only corrected the functional complaint of the patient but also played an important role in improving facial harmony, contributing significantly to self-esteem.

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Minimally invasive facial harmonization refines orthognathic surgery techniques.

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The integration of several disciplines helps to improve facial harmony.

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Injectable fillers represent important allies in orthosurgical treatments.

1540-nm fractional erbium: Glass laser is a safe and effective modality for nonablative facial rejuvenation

BACKGROUND

Laser treatments for facial rejuvenation are common, with ablative modalities being of more common use for this indication. Efficient nonablative modalities are of rising demand.

AIM

Our aim was to determine the safety and efficacy of high-fluence, nonablative 1540-nm fractional Erbium:glass laser for facial rejuvenation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective study of patients treated with 3-4 treatments using the 1540-nm fractional Erbium:glass laser for facial rejuvenation, using 2500-3000 mJ/stacked pulses (51-61 mJ per pixel). Patients were followed-up for 3 months following their last treatment. Before and after photos were independently blindly evaluated by 2 dermatologists, who graded them using a scale from 0 (exacerbation) to 4 (76%-100% improvement) for 2 different facial regions (frontal face region and lateral canthal region). Pain perception and adverse effects as well as patient satisfaction were documented throughout the study.

RESULTS

Sixteen patients completed both treatment and follow-up period. At the 3-months posttreatment follow-up visit, moderate-to-significant improvement in rhytids appearance (mean grade of improvement: 2.93 for frontal face and 3 for lateral canthal region) was observed. Patients' satisfaction was high (4.25). Patients reported mild and transient erythema posttreatment with no other adverse effects.

CONCLUSION

The high-fluence 1540-nm fractional Erbium:glass laser is a safe and effective nonablative modality for facial rejuvenation.

"Masking" our emotions: Botulinum toxin, facial expression, and well-being in the age of COVID-19

BACKGROUND

The globally devastating effects of COVID-19 breach not only the realm of public health, but of psychosocial interaction and communication as well, particularly with the advent of mask-wearing.

METHODS

A review of the literature and understanding of facial anatomy and expressions as well as the effect of botulinum toxin on emotions and nonverbal communication.

RESULTS

Today, the mask has become a semi-permanent accessory to the face, blocking our ability to express and perceive each other's facial expressions by dividing it into a visible top half and invisible bottom half. This significantly restricts our ability to accurately interpret emotions based on facial expressions and strengthens our perceptions of negative emotions produced by frowning. The addition of botulinum toxin (BTX)-induced facial muscle paralysis to target the muscles of the top (visible) half of the face, especially the corrugator and procerus muscles, may act as a therapeutic solution by its suppression of glabellar lines and our ability to frown. The treatment of the glabella complex not only has been shown to inhibit the negative emotions of the treated individual but also can reduce the negative emotions in those who come in contact with the treated individual.

CONCLUSIONS

Mask-wearing in the wake of COVID-19 brings new challenges to our ability to communicate and perceive emotion through full facial expression, our most effective and universally shared form of communication, and BTX may offer a positive solution to decrease negative emotions and promote well-being for both the mask-wearer and all who come in contact with that individual.