Botulinum Toxin Use in the Upper Face

Neuromodulator Assessment and Treatment for the Upper Face: An Update

Neuromodulator treatment of the upper face has been extensively studied and serves as an excellent tool to enhance facial appearance, non-verbal communication, and social functioning. Optimal outcomes are best achieved when health care providers take an individualized approach, based on knowledge of structural and functional anatomy, thorough facial assessment, and customized injection techniques and patterns.

Temporal Branch Ablation for the Treatment of Facial Rhytids: A New Surgical Technique

BACKGROUND

Frontal wrinkles are a cause of distress for many people as they age. Traditionally, these have been treated with botulinum toxin injections. However, this procedure is not free from complications and has a temporary result. This report describes a procedure involving temporal branch of facial nerve ablation, a novel and simple technique for the treatment and prevention of rhytids.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to introduce this new technique of ablation for the treatment of frontal wrinkles after analyzing 3 options of approach based on the number of ablation lines.

METHODS

Fifty-one patients with a mean age of 49 years underwent nerve ablation. The temporal nerve branches were located through electrostimulation. Through a skin puncture in the temporal region, an Abbocath, with part of the plastic coating removed at its base, was introduced. The nerve branches were cauterized in oblique lines with a monopolar electric scalpel. Patients were divided into 3 groups, depending on the number of ablation lines.

RESULTS

The median follow-up period was 20 months (range, 1-50 months). Only 3 (5.7%) patients developed unilateral relapse of muscle activity in the frontal region. Group 6 was statistically superior to Group 1. There was no statistically significant difference between Group 4 and the other 2 groups. More than 70% of patients were satisfied or very satisfied with the results.

CONCLUSIONS

Facial nerve branch ablation is a simple surgical technique for the treatment of forehead rhytids that produces less postoperative pain, features rapid recovery, and, above all, offers long-lasting results.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4

Avoiding Complications on the Upper Face Treatment With Botulinum Toxin: A Practical Guide

BACKGROUND

Currently, botulinum toxin (BoNT) injections are the most commonly performed non-invasive procedure for rejuvenation on the upper face. The therapeutic use of botulinum toxin has generally been safe and well tolerated. Adverse effects are considered mild, transient, and self-limited. However, as with all other injectable procedures, this one is also susceptible to adverse events and complications. When the safety zones are respected, the chance of any of these complications is practically null. Thus, this review aims to describe the main complications of treatment with BoNT on the upper face and to present a practical guide based on current evidence on how to avoid them.

METHODS

The literature research considered published journal articles (clinical trials or scientific reviews). Studies were identified by searching electronic databases (MEDLINE and PubMed) and reference lists of respective articles.

RESULTS

The main complications secondary to BoNT injections on the upper face are: ptosis of eyelid or eyebrow, eyebrow asymmetry, diplopia, Lakeophthalmos, Palpebral ectropion, and prominence of the palpebral bags. To avoid such complications, it is necessary to have knowledge of the anatomy of this region and adequate and individualized planning based on the existing patterns of the frontalis muscle, glabella, and crow's feet. This review presents the specificities of each of these regions and practical suggestions to obtain satisfactory results, avoiding complications.

CONCLUSION

Particularly on the upper face treatment with BoNT offers predictable results, has few adverse effects, and is associated with high patient satisfaction. However, it is suggested that the commented parameters and safety areas be incorporated into daily practice so that the possibilities of complications are minimized as much as possible.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Safety and efficacy of botulinum neurotoxin in the treatment of erectile dysfunction refractory to phosphodiesterase inhibitors: Results of a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

There has been recent interest in the use of botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) in the field of Andrology, whereby it has been investigated in the treatment of penile retraction and premature ejaculation.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of intracavernosal BoNT-A injection in the treatment of patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) refractory to oral phosphodiesterase inhibitors (PDE5Is).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled prospective comparative study conducted at one center and involved 70 patients with ED refractory to PDE5Is. At baseline, the following data were collected: erection hardness score (EHS), peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), sexual health inventory for men (SHIM), and the sexual encounter profile 2&3 (SEP-2&3) questionnaires. Treatment group (n = 35) received a single ICI of 100 units of BoNT-A in 2 ml of saline and control group (n = 35) received a single ICI of 2 ml of saline. EHS, PSV, and EDV were assessed at 2 weeks post treatment. SHIM, SEP-2, SEP-3, and global assessment questionnaire (GAQ-Q1&Q2) were completed at 2-, 6-, and 12-weeks post treatment.

RESULTS

Two weeks post treatment, the treatment group showed a statistically significant improvement in the mean EHS, PSV, EDV, and GAQ-Q1 positive responders (p < 0.001) compared to the control group. At 6- and 12-weeks post treatment, the treatment group showed a statistically significant improvement in the SHIM scores, SEP-2, and GAQ-Q1&Q2 positive responders compared to the control group. At 6 weeks, where there was a 5-point improvement in the mean SHIM score of the treatment group (10±5.9 from 5.4±1.7 at baseline) versus no improvement in the placebo group, 18 patients in the treatment group (53%) were able to have an erection hard enough for vaginal penetration versus only one patient in the control group.

CONCLUSION

BoNT-A is safe and effective as a potential treatment for ED refractory to PDE5I therapy.

Current Use of Cosmetic Toxins to Improve Facial Aesthetics

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Compare and contrast the various types of botulinum toxin on the market. 2. Appropriately select patients for treatment with cosmetic botulinum toxin. 3. Understand the common injection patterns for treating various regions of the face with cosmetic botulinum toxin. 4. List the complications associated with treating various regions of the face with cosmetic botulinum toxin.

SUMMARY

Nonsurgical rejuvenation of the face with botulinum toxin is one of the most commonly performed procedures in the United States. This article reviews the current evidence in treating different regions of the face: upper face, lower face, masseter, and platysma. Dosing and complications associated with different facial regions are reviewed.

Considerations for the Use of Minimally Invasive Aesthetic Procedures for Facial Remodeling in Transgender Individuals

There is increasing demand among transgender individuals for minimally invasive aesthetic procedures, such as injectable facial fillers and neurotoxins, for facial remodeling and transformation. These procedures may increase transgender individuals’ satisfaction with their appearance and allow them to more effectively harmonize their physical appearance with their perception of self. There is currently a lack of information in the medical literature regarding guidelines for the use of these products in transgender patients. In this report, the authors provide experience-based treatment considerations and recommendations for use of minimally invasive facial aesthetic procedures in transgender patients, including case studies illustrating the use of these procedures for both male-to-female and female-to-male transitioning patients. This report highlights the success of minimally invasive methods for assisting transgender patients in achieving their facial remodeling goals. Clinicians play an integral role in the transitioning process for transgender patients, and facial transformation is a key element of this process. When conducted with sensitivity and attention to individual patient goals at varying stages of transition, facial procedures can be of great benefit in enhancing patients’ self-perception and overall quality of life.

Management of palatal myoclonic tinnitus based on clinical characteristics: a large case series study

Background: Palatal myoclonic tinnitus (PMT) is a rare otological condition caused by rhythmic contractions of soft palate muscles. Due to its rarity, only a few case series studies have been reported in the literature at the present time.Aims: This large case series study reviews treatment outcomes of PMT patients over the past 15 years based on clinical characteristics.Materials and methods: Between the year 2003 and 2018, 54 patients with a diagnosis of PMT were assessed. Clinical characteristics, audiological findings, psychological status, and other relevant medical history were thoroughly reviewed. Response to various treatment modalities were retrospectively analyzed.Results: The mean age of enrolled patients was 29.0 ± 16.4 years, with female gender predominance. All of the patients complained of 'clicky' sounding tinnitus. Twenty-nine patients had comorbid tinnitus of other type. Reassurance and behavior therapy was sufficient for young patients. Medication was effective in 44.4% of the patients. Botulinum toxin injection in the palate led to complete resolution of symptoms in a majority of intractable PMT patients.Conclusions and significance: Management of PMT should be customized according to the individual clinical characteristics of the patients. This study may provide insightful information to establish optimal treatment modalities for PMT.

OnabotulinumtoxinA Treatment for Moderate to Severe Forehead Lines: A Review

Background:

With onabotulinumtoxinA approved for the treatment of glabellar and crow’s feet lines and, most recently, for forehead lines (FHL), it is possible to simultaneously treat multiple areas of the upper face that are of high concern and treatment priority for aesthetically oriented individuals. This review aims to present key insights on the use of onabotulinumtoxinA for the treatment of moderate to severe FHL.

Methods:

Double-blind, placebo-controlled registration trials of onabotulinumtoxinA for the treatment of FHL were included. Using findings from 3 such published studies, we discuss key concepts and clinical experience for the treatment of moderate to severe FHL with onabotulinumtoxinA (20 U in the frontalis and 20 U in the glabellar complex, with/without 24 U in crow’s feet lines), including injection pattern, dose selection, efficacy and safety data, and considerations for patient selection.

Results:

Across the 2 pivotal phase 3 studies, responder rates on investigator- and subject-assessed measures of appearance of FHL severity were significantly higher with onabotulinumtoxinA versus placebo for the treatment of FHL at day 30 (P < 0.0001), and results were maintained through 3 cycles of onabotulinumtoxinA.

Conclusions:

OnabotulinumtoxinA treatment also resulted in high patient satisfaction rates. The incidence of eyebrow and of eyelid ptosis was low, and no new safety signals were detected. OnabotulinumtoxinA is safe and effective and an appropriate option for patients with moderate to severe FHL encountered in clinical practice.

Botulinum Toxin Application in Facial Esthetics and Recent Treatment Indications (2013-2018)

Background

Ever-changing perception of beauty from childhood to old age is changing with the revolution in cosmeceuticals science. Esthetics is an individual's perception since time immemorial. Standards of beauty have changed through centuries with increased awareness about esthetics. The face remains main source of information for identification and discrimination. It constitutes a structural ground for many nonverbal messages including the emotional state of a person, so the proverb "Face is an index of mind" holds good. The wrinkles and laxity are considered to be one of the factors for aging. Hence, escalating demand for cosmetic treatment to reduce facial wrinkles and laxity has stimulated us to search for published literature for nonsurgical techniques for enhancement of facial beauty. The review analyzed the published data to provide narrative basic review in a concise way to the beginners, clinicians, and students.

Materials and Methods

We have adopted search criteria using keywords: Botox, Botulinum toxin, incobotulinumtoxinA, esthetics, face, uses of Botox, with various Boolean operators and or in title, and abstract using PubMed search engine. The database search limited to PubMed only from January 2013 to June 2018.

Results

Various search results have been appended as annexures at the end of the article for further reference for the readers. Finally, 17 references were selected to write narrative review to meet our objectives.

Conclusion

The advancing front in the use of toxins is an emerging science for the beautification of a face. Botox exploded in to market because of efficacy, tolerability, and minimally invasive nature. The present review gives brief about the history of Botulinum toxin, types, mechanism of action, clinical indications, preparations, storage, and technique for various uses with a brief note on patient selection, contraindications, and complications.

Nonsurgical Management of Facial Masculinization and Feminization

BACKGROUND

Transgender patients may seek nonsurgical methods for facial masculinization and feminization as an adjunct or alternative to undergoing surgical procedures.

OBJECTIVES

The authors reviewed the existing literature regarding this topic and provided an overview of nonsurgical techniques for facial masculinization and feminization.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search of the PubMed and MedLine databases was conducted for studies published through December 2017 for techniques and outcomes of nonsurgical facial masculinization and feminization. Keywords were used in performing the search. Data on techniques, outcomes, complications, and patient satisfaction were collected.

RESULTS

Four articles fit our inclusion criteria. Given the lack of published literature describing facial injectables in transgender patients, data from the literature describing techniques in cisgender patients were utilized to supplement our review.

CONCLUSIONS

Facial feminization can be achieved through injectables such as neurotoxin and fillers for lateral brow elevation, lip augmentation, malar augmentation, and improvement of rhytids. Facial masculinization can be achieved with injectables used for genioplasty, jawline augmentation, and supraorbital ridge augmentation. One must develop best practices for these techniques in the transgender patient population and increase awareness regarding nonsurgical options.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4

Phase 3 Study of OnabotulinumtoxinA Distributed Between Frontalis, Glabellar Complex, and Lateral Canthal Areas for Treatment of Upper Facial Lines

BACKGROUND

Although commonly practiced, simultaneous onabotulinumtoxinA injections to multiple facial areas have not been investigated in prospective studies.

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate safety and efficacy of onabotulinumtoxinA for treatment of forehead lines (FHL) distributed between the frontalis (20 U) and glabellar complex (20 U), with or without simultaneous lateral canthal areas (crow's feet lines [CFL], 24 U) treatment.

METHODS

Subjects with moderate to severe FHL were randomized (2:2:1) to onabotulinumtoxinA 40 U, onabotulinumtoxinA 64 U, or placebo. After 180 days, subjects could receive up to 2 additional open-label onabotulinumtoxinA 64 U treatments.

RESULTS

The intent-to-treat (ITT) population comprised 787 subjects, and the modified ITT (mITT) population (subjects with psychological impact) comprised 568. After 30 days, onabotulinumtoxinA 40 U and 64 U significantly improved investigator- and subject-assessed FHL severity by at least 2 Facial Wrinkle Scale (FWS) grades in 45.6% and 53.0% of ITT subjects, respectively, versus 0.6% receiving placebo (both, p < .0001). Significantly more mITT subjects receiving onabotulinumtoxinA achieved investigator- and subject-assessed FWS ratings of none/mild versus placebo (p < .0001). OnabotulinumtoxinA was well tolerated.

CONCLUSION

OnabotulinumtoxinA distributed between the frontalis and glabellar complex, with or without additional CFL injections, was safe and effective for treatment of moderate to severe FHL.

The efficacy and complications of a new technique of Abobotulinum-toxin A (Dysport) injection in patients with glabellar lines

BACKGROUND

Abobotulinum- toxin A is used extensively for the treatment of frown (glabellar) lines.

AIMS

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and complications of a new injection technique and to assess the amount of satisfaction in patients with the frown lines.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted in 104 patients with moderate-to-severe glabellar lines. In the new technique by reassessing the responsible anatomic muscles of wrinkles, we tried to modify the injection technique of Abobotulinum-toxin A to yield more favorable results. The range and severity of frown lines were assessed by a 4-score test and a photograph taken before and 2 weeks after the injection. Patients were followed up to 180 days after injection.

RESULTS

The response time of 87.5% of patients was within the first 48 hours and the remaining 12.5% showed the symptoms within the first week after injection. At 30 days after injection, the frown lines had disappeared in 88.5% of patients in static mode and 85.6% in mechanic mode. Maximum injection durability in the first 3, 4, and 6 months after injection was 82%, 52%, and 38%, respectively. The amount of complete satisfaction after 3 months was reported to be 86.5%.

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicated that the new injection technique of Abobotulinum-toxin A could be beneficial in the treatment of frown lines with more satisfactory results, especially in those patients who were not contented with the present conventional method.