THE USE OF BOTULINUM A TOXIN TO AMELIORATE FACIAL KINETIC FROWN LINES

Purpose: External photography and subjective response were used to eva luate the use of botulinum A toxin to diminish glabellar kinetic folds . Methods: Eleven patients with glabellar folds and midline forehead w rinkling received one to four injections of 0.1 ml of 100 U/1 mi botul inum A toxin. The injections were given into the procerus or corrugato r muscles or both. The number of injections corresponded to the wrinkl e lines in each patient. The patients were examined and photographed j ust before the injections and at 7 to 10 days after the injections. Tr eatment efficacy was judged by photographic evaluation and by the pati ent's subjective evaluation of the effect of the treatment. Results: P hotographic evaluation showed objective improvement in the glabellar w rinkling in 6 of 11 patients in relaxed facial position and in all 11 patients during contraction of the periocular muscles. Ten of the 11 p atients reported satisfaction with their cosmetic results and indicate d that they would choose to have the procedure done again. Conclusions : The results of this study suggest that botulinum A toxin is a safe a nd effective treatment for glabellar folds.