Patient satisfaction with different botulinum toxin type A formulations in the treatment of moderate to severe upper facial rhytids.
BACKGROUND
The clinical characteristics of botulinum toxin type A (BoNTA) depend on the formulation used.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate whether switching BoNTA formulations affects patient satisfaction.


METHODS
Forty patients enrolled and all were satisfied or extremely satisfied with Allergan BoNTA (BoNTA-Allergan) treatment in the glabellar+/-crow's feet+/-forehead area(s) in the preceding 6 months. Once improvement from this previous treatment had started to diminish, treatment was replicated using Ipsen BoNTA (BoNTA-Ipsen) at a 1:2.5 dose ratio.


RESULTS
The incidence of patients rating treatment as effective or very effective in making them look younger, look rested, and look less stressed was significantly higher with BoNTA-Allergan than BoNTA-Ipsen--83% versus 36%, 90% versus 39%, and 83% versus 33%, respectively--even though evaluations were performed a mean of 20 weeks after BoNTA-Allergan treatment and only 16 weeks after BoNTA-Ipsen treatment. The incidence of patients who were satisfied or extremely satisfied was 100% (BoNTA-Allergan) versus 31% (BoNTA-Ipsen). BoNTA-Allergan was preferred by 69% of patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Efficacy, satisfaction, and product preference ratings strongly favor the use of BoNTA-Allergan over BoNTA-Ipsen in the treatment of upper facial lines. Many patients who are satisfied with BoNTA-Allergan treatment become less satisfied if they are switched to BoNTA-Ipsen.
Aalst Dermatology Group, Aalst, Belgium. koendeboulle@pandora.be
Koen
K
de Boulle
D000328:Adult; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D015595:Skin Aging / Q000187:drug effects*
D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A