title: An objective assessment of botulinum toxin A effect on superficial skin texture.
abstract: The botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) role on elimination of hyperkinetic wrinkles is consolidated, although relying on subjective methods of assessment. A prospective open-label study was performed on 10 patients to objectively analyze superficial skin texture changes caused by BTX-A in the glabellar area. Skin areas were reproduced by silicon replica technique at baseline, 1 month, and 6 months after treatment. Takahashi's parameters (roughness, anisotropy, microsulcus number, and width) were obtained from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis and compared using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. SEM images showed skin texture changes, and software analysis gave parameters for statistical analysis, allowing an objective evaluation. Statistically significant parameter modifications were evidenced. BTX-A effectiveness in wrinkle treatment was confirmed, and no differences in skin texture parameters from baseline to toxin action end were noted.
authors: Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, University "La Sapienza," Rome, Italy. lucadessy@hotmail.com
authors: Luca Andrea
authors: LA
authors: Dessy
authors: Marco
authors: M
authors: Mazzocchi
authors: Corrado
authors: C
authors: Rubino
authors: Vittorio
authors: V
authors: Mazzarello
authors: Noemi
authors: N
authors: Spissu
authors: Nicolò
authors: N
authors: Scuderi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008297:Male; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008875:Middle Aged; D009465:Neuromuscular Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016628:Replica Techniques; D012828:Silicones; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D015595:Skin Aging / Q000187:drug effects*; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric
chemical_list: D009465:Neuromuscular Agents; D012828:Silicones; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A