[Treatment of wrinkles with botulinum toxin]

Ophthalmologe. 2007 Sep;104(9):777-82. doi: 10.1007/s00347-007-1614-x.
[Article in German]

Abstract

The use of botulinum toxin A for the treatment of wrinkles is increasing. Botulinum toxin A inhibits exocytosis of acetylcholine from 3 to 12 months, depending on the target tissue. Low-dose botulinum toxin A is used to smooth hyperkinetic facial lines. This is especially successful in the upper facial parts, since the target muscles (procerus, corrugator supracilii, frontalis, orbicularis oculi) all directly overlie the osseous structures of the face. This is not the case for the lower facial parts, and more side effects are encountered when treating, for example, wrinkles around the mouth. Contraindications to the use of botulinum toxin A are diseases affecting neuromuscular signal transduction, allergic reactions to components of the solution, therapy with aminoglycosides or acetylsalicylic acid prior to treatment, infections in the planned treatment area, and pregnancy and lactation. Alternative and complementary treatments include erbium-YAG or CO2 laser, as well as augmentation and surgical plastic procedures.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A / administration & dosage
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A / adverse effects
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A / therapeutic use*
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A / toxicity
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Contraindications
  • Esthetics
  • Face*
  • Facial Muscles
  • Female
  • Haplorhini
  • Humans
  • Injections, Intramuscular
  • Lactation
  • Laser Therapy
  • Lethal Dose 50
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuromuscular Agents / administration & dosage
  • Neuromuscular Agents / adverse effects
  • Neuromuscular Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Neuromuscular Agents / toxicity
  • Posture
  • Pregnancy
  • Rhytidoplasty / methods
  • Skin Aging / drug effects*
  • Surgery, Plastic
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Neuromuscular Agents
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A