Botulinum Toxins in Medical and Cosmetic Dermatology

Abstract

Background: Botulinum toxin (BoNT), a bacterially produced neurotoxin, is a mainstay in the dermatologic armamentarium. Although BoNT is commonly used to treated rhytides associated with ageing, it can be employed for a variety of other cosmetic purposes and medical disorders. Objective: In this review, the authors aim to describe the multitude of uses for BoNT in the dermatologic field. Materials and Methods: This manuscript was designed as a retrospective review of the on- and off-label applications of BoNT in dermatology.Results: In addition to treatment of rhytides, BoNT has been shown to decrease rosacea, menopause-associated flushing, and facial sebum production, while improving patient confidence in their appearance. Furthermore, BoNT has been successfully used to treat primary hyperhidrosis, hair loss, aberrant scarring, Raynaud’s phenomenon-associated vasospasm, as well as a variety of skin diseases. Side effects of BoNT include pain or discomfort associated with injections during treatment, bruising, asymmetry, and swelling. Patients are generally satisfied with clinical results after BoNT treatment. Conclusion: Dermatologists should be aware of all on- and off-label applications of BoNT to provide patients with timely and appropriate medical care. Further research must be completed to fully characterise the safety and use of BoNT for off-label purposes.

Treatment of Vestibulodynia with Submucosal Injections of IncobotulinumtoxinA into Targeted Painful Points: An Open-Label Exploratory Study

“…As higher PFM strength is associated with better sexual function and particularly with a greater facility to achieve climax [32], this adverse event could be explained by BoNT/A's chemical denervation of motor units in the muscle, which thus became unable to contract and develop strength. As both adverse events were mild and transient, this study adds to previous findings that confirmed BoNT/A injected in limited doses can be safely used to treat vestibulodynia [33].…”

Modern approaches to the correction of age-related skin changes in women

“…The FDA (Food and Drug Administration, USA) has approved for use four types of neuroprotein type A: onabotulinumtoxinA, abobotulinumtoxinA, incobotu-linumtoxinA, prabotulinumtoxinA-xvfs and one type B -rimabotulinumtoxinB [34]. However, botulinum toxin type A is used in cosmetology practice the average duration of the effect of injection of which is 12 weeks [32,35].…”

Utilities of Botulinum Toxins in Dermatology and Cosmetology

“…2 In the United States, there are four commercially available, FDA-approved BoNT-A formulations: incobotulinumtoxinA (Frankfurt, Germany), onabotulinumtoxinA (California, USA), prabotulinumtoxinA-xvfs (California, USA) and abobotulinumtoxinA (Arizona, USA); as well as one BoNT-B: rimabotulinumtoxinB (California, USA). 5 A review by Guida et al 6 evaluated the role of BoNT in the field of dermatology. However, recently there are no reviews conducted on the application of BoNT in the field of dermatology and cosmetology.…”