Intradermal Botulinum Toxin A Injection for Scalp Sebum Secretion Regulation: A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled, Prospective Study in Chinese Subjects

Abstract

Background Although botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) injection has been proved to reduce topical sebum secretion, the impact of intradermal BTX-A injection on scalp sebum production has never been reported. Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of intradermal BTX-A treatment for scalp sebum secretion regulation, in comparison with intradermal normal saline (NS) injection. Methods This multi-center, randomized, double-blinded, prospective study recruited patients complaining of oily scalp and/or hair. The patients were randomized to either one session of intradermal BTX-A or NS injection. The baseline and post-treatment scalp sebum secretion on 24-, 48-, 72-, and 96-hours post-shampooing was measured using the Sebumeter SM815 (Cutometer dual MPA 580, Courage & Khazaka, Cologne, Germany). on 1, 3, 4, and 6 months after the treatment. The patients’ comments, satisfaction, and adverse events (AEs) were evaluated and compared. Results Twenty-five and 24 patients in the BTX-A group and NS group completed the follow-up, respectively. For the treated region, compared with NS, intradermal 50-65 U BTX-A treatment significantly reduced the scalp sebum secretion on 24-, 48-, and 72-hours post-shampooing on the 1- and 3-month follow-up visits (P < 0.05). No significant difference between the two groups was observed on 4 and 6 months after the treatment. The patients’ satisfaction ratings were significantly higher for the BTX-A treatment (P = 0.000). No serious AEs occurred. Conclusions Compared with NS, one session of intradermal 50-65 U BTX-A injection effectively and safely reduced scalp sebum secretion and greasiness perception in the treated region on 24 and 48 hours post-shampooing for 3 months.

Pulmonary Embolism after Botulinum Toxin Treatment for Leg Muscle Hypertrophy

“…1 Very few complications are associated with the use of BTA for slimming treatment in East Asian women. 2 To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of pulmonary embolism resulting from deep vein thrombosis after BTA treatment for calf muscle hypertrophy.…”

Botulinum Toxin for Scalp Conditions: A Systematic Review

“…We identified 1 clinical trial describing 25 patients with oily scalp treated with BTX-A. 25 In this randomized, double-blinded clinical trial, patients were randomized to receive injections with either BTX-A (50–65 units) or normal saline, and baseline and post-treatment sebum secretion was measured at 24, 48, and 72 hours after shampooing at 1, 3, 4, and 6 months after treatment using the Sebumeter SM 815 device. BTX-A treatment significantly reduced scalp sebum secretion 48 and 72 hours after shampooing ( p < .05), and the effects lasted for 3 months.…”

“…BTX-A treatment significantly reduced scalp sebum secretion 48 and 72 hours after shampooing ( p < .05), and the effects lasted for 3 months. 25…”