Comparisons among botulinum toxins: an evidence-based review.
BACKGROUND
Botulinum neurotoxin treatment is the most common aesthetic procedure in the United States. A number of serotypes and formulations are available worldwide. Similarities and differences among these toxins were evaluated by reviewing the existing literature.


METHODS
Reports of botulinum neurotoxin for aesthetic use, published in peer-reviewed literature or presented at recent professional congresses, were reviewed to summarize key features of different toxins. Data from therapeutic uses in comparable anatomical areas were included in the review when aesthetic literature was limited.


RESULTS
Serotypes of neurotoxins share molecular structures and mechanisms of action but exhibit important differences between serotypes and between different formulations within the same serotype, including differences in distribution/diffusion patterns and risk/benefit profiles. The differences attributable to dissimilarities in bacterial strains, manufacturing techniques, and assays are likely to influence clinical performance.


CONCLUSIONS
Injection patterns, techniques, dilutions diffusion, and injection volumes established for a specific formulation of botulinum neurotoxin are not likely to be applicable to other formulations, and formulations are not interchangeable by any single conversion ratio. A large proportion of the clinical literature documents the aesthetic uses of the Allergan formulation of botulinum toxin type A. Additional studies are needed to establish optimal procedures for the Ipsen formulation and botulinum neurotoxin, and for diverse aesthetic uses.
Los Angeles, Calif.; Boca Raton, Fla.; and Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada From the David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, and the Department of Dermatology, University of British Columbia.
Arnold W
AW
Klein
Alastair
A
Carruthers
Steven
S
Fagien
Nicholas J
NJ
Lowe
D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D001905:Botulinum Toxins / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004954:Esthetics; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008875:Middle Aged; D009465:Neuromuscular Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D018570:Risk Assessment; D015595:Skin Aging / Q000187:drug effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014481:United States
D009465:Neuromuscular Agents; C096323:rimabotulinumtoxinB; D001905:Botulinum Toxins; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A