The Use of Botulinum A Toxin to Ameliorate Facial Kinetic Frown Lines

PURPOSE: External photography and subjective response were used to evaluate the use of botulinum A toxin to diminish glabellar kinetic folds. METHODS: Eleven patients with glabellar folds and midline forehead wrinkling received one to four injections of 0.1 ml of 100 U/1 ml botulinum A toxin. The injections were given into the procerus or corrugator muscles or both. The number of injections corresponded to the wrinkle lines in each patient. The patients were examined and photographed just before the injections and at 7 to 10 days after the injections. Treatment efficacy was judged by photographic evaluation and by the patient's subjective evaluation of the effect of the treatment. RESULTS: Photographic evaluation showed objective improvement in the glabellar wrinkling in 6 of 11 patients in relaxed facial position and in all 11 patients during contraction of the periocular mulscles. Ten of the 11 patients reported satisfaction with their cosmetic results and indicated that they would choose to have the procedure done again. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that botulinum A toxin is a safe and effective treatment for glabellar folds.