Effect of a second injection of botulinum toxin on lower facial contouring, as evaluated using 3-dimensional laser scanning

Dermatol Surg. 2015 Apr;41(4):439-44. doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000000291.

Abstract

Background: Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) is widely used to improve the lower facial contour.

Objective: To determine the difference in the changes in the lower facial contour achieved with 1 and 2 sessions of BoNT-A injections using 3-dimensional (3D) laser scanning.

Materials and methods: Twenty volunteers were randomly divided into 2 groups. Group I (n = 10) received a single injection, whereas Group II (n = 10) received 2 sessions of injections, the second being administered 4 months after the first. Each injection comprised of 25 U of BoNT-A and was administered to the masseter muscle bilaterally. Evaluation of the effect of BoNT-A injection was performed using 3D laser scan images obtained before the injection and 6 months thereafter in Group I, and before the first injection and 6 months thereafter in the Group II.

Results: The mean changes in the volume and thickness in Group I were -1,186 mm and -1.52 mm, respectively; the corresponding changes were -4,072 mm and -3.84 mm in Group II. The reductions were significantly greater in Group II than in Group I.

Conclusion: The administration of a second BoNT-A injection is effective for better aesthetic results for the lower facial contour.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A / administration & dosage*
  • Facial Asymmetry / diagnosis*
  • Facial Asymmetry / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Healthy Volunteers
  • Humans
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional / methods*
  • Injections, Intramuscular
  • Lasers*
  • Male
  • Masseter Muscle
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuromuscular Agents / administration & dosage
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Neuromuscular Agents
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A