Botulinum toxin A: a review of 1,085 oral and maxillofacial patient treatments.
OBJECTIVE
Botulinum toxin A (Botox; Allergan, Inc, Irvine, CA) has been used safely and effectively for the management of rhytids and dynamic lines of the face. Much of the initial anecdotal experience with Botox has changed with experience and is reported by the author.


METHODS
In a 56-month period, 439 vials of Botox were used for primarily cosmetic improvement of facial lines and rhytids. Four hundred seventeen patients underwent 1,085 treatment episodes with an estimated 17,000 injections that were tracked on a database and reviewed.


RESULTS
Botox is a safe and effective treatment for the temporary improvement of facial lines and dynamic rhytids in selected anatomic regions. The techniques of reconstitution, storage, use, dose, and technique may not be as sensitive as originally described.


CONCLUSIONS
When following minimal guidelines, the use of Botox for cosmetic facial applications is safe, predictable, and without serious complications and provides generalized patient satisfaction.
Niamtu
Joseph
J
Oral/Maxillofacial and Cosmetic Facial Surgery, 10230 Cherokee Rd, Richmond, VA 23235, USA. niamtu@niamtu.com
D001763:Blepharoptosis / Q000139:chemically induced; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques; D005152:Facial Muscles / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D006261:Headache / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D008297:Male; D009465:Neuromuscular Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D015595:Skin Aging / Q000187:drug effects*
D009465:Neuromuscular Agents; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A