The Use of Neurotoxins in the Male Face

The Use of Botulinum Toxin for Nasal Esthetics: A Systematic Review

Physical attractiveness is commonly evaluated based on facial appearance, with the nose being the most noticeable feature. Botulinum toxin injection is a less invasive method for enhancing nasal esthetics, which can address minor nasal imperfections through relaxing muscles. To fully understand the uses of botulinum toxin in the nose area, a thorough review of the available information is necessary. We aimed to conduct a systematic review of literature to evaluate the effects and clinical application of botulinum toxin for nasal esthetics. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases up until May 2023 to identify studies investigating the use of botulinum toxin for cosmetic enhancement in the nose area. Data was extracted from the selected studies regarding the baseline characteristics, type of botulinum toxin used, dosage, injection site, and outcomes. Initially, 1139 articles were found and 23 articles were included. The studies showed the usage of botulinum toxin can correct drooping nasal tips, dilated nostrils, minor post-rhinoplasty deformities, and high columellar show. It can also augment nasal dorsum, improve cleft lip-related deformities, and address other disorders related to the function and appearance of the nose. Botulinum toxin injection seems to be a safe and effective treatment option for individuals seeking to correct minor nasal defects. Further large-scale studies are recommended.

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.

PrabotulinumtoxinA vs OnabotulinumtoxinA for the Treatment of Adult Males With Moderate to Severe Glabellar Lines: Post-hoc Analyses of the Phase III Clinical Study Data

BACKGROUND

Despite a growing interest among men in cosmetic procedures such as botulinum toxin, comparator clinical trial data in this population are limited.

OBJECTIVES

The authors sought to compare the efficacy and safety of prabotulinumtoxinA and onabotulinumtoxinA for the treatment of males with moderate to severe glabellar lines.

METHODS

Post-hoc analyses were performed on the subpopulation of male patients treated with either a single dose of 20 U prabotulinumtoxinA (n = 25) or 20 U onabotulinumtoxinA (n = 31) in the EVB-003 Phase III glabellar line clinical study. One key efficacy endpoint was the proportion of responders with a ≥1-point improvement from baseline at maximum frown on the 4-point Glabellar Line Scale.

RESULTS

Compared with onabotulinumtoxinA-treated males, the percentages of responders who had a ≥1-point improvement on the Glabellar Line Scale at maximum frown were higher at all postbaseline time points for prabotulinumtoxinA-treated males (P > 0.05 at all visits) by an absolute overall mean difference of 10.1% across all visits. Similar trends were observed for efficacy endpoints based on global aesthetic improvement and subject satisfaction. PrabotulinumtoxinA-treated males had a higher incidence of treatment-related headache and eyelid ptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The percentages of patients who met the definition of a responder were higher at almost all time points examined for prabotulinumtoxinA-treated males. Despite the high level of consistency across all measures, differences between the 2 treatment groups did not reach statistical significance. Further study is warranted to establish if these post-hoc analyses observations are reproducible in a larger male patient population.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 1

Refining Male Injectables in Aesthetics

The number of men interested in non-surgical cosmetic procedures has been increasing in recent years. Given the gender differences in cutaneous biology and anatomy, the aesthetic treatment of men requires certain nuances and modifications from the more frequently completed procedures in women. In addition, photoaging and sun protective practices can vary between gender, which may be a consequence of the stigma that surrounds skincare and its relation to traditional gender roles. We have reviewed pertinent biologic, anatomic, and behavioral aspects of men as they relate to cosmetic injectable treatments. Men may require higher doses of injectable neuromodulators due to their larger and stronger facial mimetic muscles. Injectable soft-tissue fillers should also accentuate the ideal facial shape of men, which includes a squared jawline and inferiomedial projection of the cheeks. The approach to injectable treatments differs between men and women in the aesthetic setting, and this should be addressed by practitioners.