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American Journal of Clinical Dermatology

Published in:

01-09-2003 | Therapy in Practice

Botulinum Toxin A

Its Expanding Role in Dermatology and Esthetics

Authors: Dr Samireh Z. Said, Azin Meshkinpour, Alastair Carruthers, Jean Carruthers

Published in: American Journal of Clinical Dermatology | Issue 9/2003

Abstract

The use of botulinum toxin A in cosmetic dermatology has increased in popularity due to the efficacy and relative safety of the treatment. Botulinum toxin A is one of eight exotoxins produced by Clostridium botulinum, a Gram-positive, spore-forming anaerobe. Flaccid paralysis results from the denervation of muscle fibers at the neuromuscular junction after botulinum toxin A administration. While treating blepharospasm, the Carruthers incidentally found that botulinum toxin A improved glabellar frown lines. Dynamic rhytides occur in areas of dynamic motion. These types of lines may be improved with botulinum toxin A. There are two types of botulinum toxin A commercially available (BOTOX® and Dysport®); only BOTOX? is currently available in the US.

The efficacy and tolerability of BOTOX® was best demonstrated with a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of the efficacy and safety of botulinum toxin type A in the treatment of glabellar lines in 264 patients. There was a significantly greater reduction in glabellar line severity with BOTOX®. The effect was maintained for the duration of the study (120 days). There was low occurrence (5.4%) of mostly mild blepharoptosis in the BOTOX® group.

In another prospective study, it was found that about 1% of BOTOX® patients reported severe headache. Botulinum toxin A can provide an alternative treatment of palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis when options such as topical agents (aluminum chloride) and iontophoresis have failed.

Use of tradenames is for product identification only and does not imply endorsement.

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Title: Botulinum Toxin A
Its Expanding Role in Dermatology and Esthetics
Authors: Dr Samireh Z. Said
Azin Meshkinpour
Alastair Carruthers
Jean Carruthers
Publication date: 01-09-2003
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Published in: American Journal of Clinical Dermatology / Issue 9/2003
Print ISSN: 1175-0561
Electronic ISSN: 1179-1888
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/00128071-200304090-00003

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Botulinum Toxin A

Its Expanding Role in Dermatology and Esthetics

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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