BOTULINUM-A EXOTOXIN FOR GLABELLAR FOLDS - A DOUBLE-BLIND, PLACEBO-CONTROLLED STUDY WITH AN ELECTROMYOGRAPHIC INJECTION TECHNIQUE

Background: Botulinum A exotoxin (BTX) has been used successfully to t reat a variety of hyperkinetic movement disorders, BTX is also capable of reducing hyperkinetic facial lines including prominent glabellar f rown lines. Objective: The purposes of this study were to (1) confirm the efficacy of BTX in a double-blind, placebo-controlled investigatio n; (2) evaluate the use of an electromyogram attached to the injection needle to confirm intramuscular corrugator placement of the BTX; and (3) determine the optimum direction injection technique. Methods: Leng th and depth of glabellar frown lines were measured before treatment a nd 4 and 12 weeks after injection of 10 units of BTX or saline solutio n. Results: Patients treated with BTX had a highly significant reducti on in depth and length of glabellar frown lines compared with control subjects. Conclusion: BTX appears to be effective and safe for reducti on of glabellar frown lines.