Botulinum Toxin A Injection for Hemihypertrophy-related Unilateral Gastrocnemius Hypertrophy

Contouring With Neuromodulators

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Botulinum toxins, originally used for facial rejuvenation, have emerged as a promising tool for sculpting and refining contours for both the face and body.

METHODS

The peer-reviewed literature on neuromodulator contouring treatments was analyzed, with a particular emphasis on studies and case reports involving the use of botulinum toxin type A.

RESULTS

Modification of face, neck, shoulder, arm, and calf contour has been reported. Treatment and dosing protocols vary with the strength and depth of the target muscle. Regional effects of neuromodulator treatment begin to appear approximately 2 weeks after injection and are often most prominent at the 70- to 90-day time point. Although treatments are generally well tolerated, short-term muscle weakness and other side effects may occur.

CONCLUSION

The use of neuromodulators to enhance facial and body contours has demonstrated efficacy, but further research is needed to validate their use and explore the full potential of this intervention through larger randomized controlled trials. The application of neuromodulators as a minimally invasive tool to address the rising demand for nonsurgical body sculpting represents a promising frontier in aesthetics.

Pulmonary Embolism after Botulinum Toxin Treatment for Leg Muscle Hypertrophy

Leg muscle hypertrophy is a unique physical symptom in East Asian women. Compared with traditional surgical treatment for calf muscle hypertrophy, botulinum toxin is widely favored by East Asian women because of its minimal trauma and significant effects. We describe the case of a 22-year-old woman with pulmonary embolism because of deep vein thrombosis, who presented with hypertrophy of bilateral calf muscles, and was administered 300 U of botulinum toxin A injection in July 2022. On the third day after the injection, she experienced swelling and pain in her left leg, which gradually worsened and made walking difficult. She underwent an ultrasound examination of lower limbs, which revealed several deep and shallow vein thrombi in the left lower limb. Computed tomography arterial imaging indicated multiple embolisms in pulmonary arteries. This study aimed to explore and analyze the causes of pulmonary embolism after botulinum toxin treatment for calf muscle hypertrophy by reviewing and analyzing the patient's symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment process to provide management strategies for treatment and prevention of this disease.