title: An overview of botulinum toxins: past, present, and future.
abstract: Although the mechanism of action of botulinum toxin (BTX) has been intensively studied, many unanswered questions remain regarding the composition and clinical properties of the two formulations of BTX currently approved for cosmetic use. In the first half of this review, these questions are explored in detail, with emphasis on the most pertinent and revelatory studies in the literature. The second half delineates most of the common and some not so common uses of BTX in the face and neck, stressing important patient selection and safety considerations. Complications from neurotoxins at cosmetic doses are generally rare and usually technique dependent.
authors.affiliation: Total Skin and Beauty Dermatology Center, 2100 16th Avenue South, Suite 202, Birmingham, AL 35205, USA. tvcartee@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Todd V
authors.initials: TV
authors.lastname: Cartee
authors.forename: Gary D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Monheit
mesh_terms: D019882:Blepharoplasty; D001905:Botulinum Toxins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004954:Esthetics; D006801:Humans; D009465:Neuromuscular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015361:Rhytidoplasty / Q000379:methods*; D015595:Skin Aging
chemical_list: D009465:Neuromuscular Agents; D001905:Botulinum Toxins; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A