Primary and Adjunctive Uses of Botulinum Toxin Type A in the Periorbital Region

Balanced botox chemodenervation of the upper face: symmetry in motion

Cosmetic botulinum toxin type A (Botox, Allergan, Inc., Irvine, CA) has revolutionized minimally invasive treatment of the upper face. Increasingly sophisticated outcomes result in facial symmetry in motion. The face is a three-dimensional moving unit, not an isolated photograph. This is why the advanced injector must hone an astute ability to observe casual microexpressions. Consideration is then given to the patient's age, facial anatomy, facial asymmetry, and dynamic rhytids. The ratio of dosing to agonist and antagonist muscles that allows unopposed action is determined. Nuance in placement and dose combined with adjunct therapy results in natural and appropriate facial emotion and avoids unnatural or bizarre patterns of movement. Asymmetrical scenarios are presented to exemplify this process of analysis and treatment. Many authors have detailed the mechanism of action, history of Botox development, and specific muscle group treatment in the periorbital region. In this discussion, I leave behind rigorous academic analysis and wish to offer my approach, which has evolved through 15 years experience treating the aesthetic patient with Botox. The clinician can read about recommended patterns of injection, and the procedure is quite simple. It is only through skilled observation and understanding of expressive nuance and anatomy that the advanced injector will meet the goal of a natural communicative result with chemodenervation. Experience is accumulated through critical analysis of patient results over time. This discussion first directs attention to why it is important to learn how to look at the face in motion as well as at facial rhytids. A plan is developed for treatment including drug preparation, dosing decisions, precise three-dimensional delivery, and adjunct therapy. Perils may generally be avoided by choosing appropriate dosing and placement. The asymmetrical patient scenario is used to demonstrate nuance in evaluation and treatment.

[Facial anatomy and botulinum toxin: the muscular balances]

The muscular topographic anatomy of the face has long been known. The functional anatomy of the face has been studied by many neurologists, with Duchenne of Boulogne one of the first. The possibility of correcting not only wrinkles, but also certain regional balances gives botulinum toxin a certain number of advantages as well as limitations that should be well known by future injectors as well as the more experienced of practitioners who seek to treat the most difficult zones.

Advances in minimally invasive facial rejuvenation

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Current cosmetic surgical practice for facial rejuvenation has undergone a significant change due to the introduction of technologies to improve the age-associated changes of the face. The most widely adopted methods of minimally invasive facial rejuvenation include the use of neuromuscular blocking agents and injectable fillers. The topic of minimally invasive procedures might include a variety of subjects including nutritional and hormonal modulation, light-based and laser-based therapies, minimal incision surgical procedures, as well as the use of botulinum toxin and fillers. The focus of this study will be on the minimally invasive facial rejuvenation efforts achieved by injection techniques.

RECENT FINDINGS

Botulinum A neurotoxin has been shown to be effective in the reduction of hyperfunctional lines in the upper and lower face. Anatomic areas that have been found to benefit include the glabella, the forehead, the periorbital area, lips, and the platysma muscle. The more recently introduced hyaluronic acid and other injectable fillers are receiving increasing usage. These temporary fillers have been found to improve creases and wrinkles, augment deep nasolabial folds, augment thin lips, and improve hollowing in the periorbital and other depressions and deformities.

SUMMARY

There has been a significant paradigm shift in the field of rejuvenation surgery. Injectable minimally invasive methods have been offered to remedy age-related and other acquired deformities of the head and neck region. These methods have provided temporary correction of undesirable characteristic that were traditionally approached with more invasive surgically oriented modalities.

Update on Botulinum Toxin

Botulinum toxin for facial enhancement is currently the most popular aesthetic procedure performed in the United States. New developments have occurred within the last few years. Patients prefer having multiple areas of the upper face treated which increases patient satisfaction. Treatment of the forehead is now being accomplished with fewer units of botulinum toxin. This helps preserve the natural look of some movement of the forehead. Men require more units of botulinum toxin than women. Combination therapy using botulinum toxin along with lasers or filler substances is ideal. Aesthetic medicine knowledge has progressed, contributing a greater understanding of botulinum treatment for advanced areas of the face. The orbicularis oris, mentalis, and depressor anguli oris are now routinely treated and help improve overall facial appearance. Other forms of botulinum toxins (additional type A or type B toxins) are available, each with advantages and disadvantages.