Evolution of Facial Aesthetic Treatment Over Five or More Years: A Retrospective Cross-sectional Analysis of Continuous OnabotulinumtoxinA Treatment

Dermatol Surg. 2015 Jun;41(6):693-701. doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000000340.

Abstract

Background: Little information exists on how facial aesthetic treatments are incorporated into aesthetic regimens.

Objective: Assess the evolution of facial aesthetic treatments in patients receiving long-term continuous onabotulinumtoxinA treatment.

Methods: This international retrospective chart review included patients with ≥5 years of continuous onabotulinumtoxinA treatments including ≥1 glabellar lines treatment/year. Charts were reviewed for facial areas treated, number of treatments, doses/treatment visit, concomitant aesthetic procedures, and onabotulinumtoxinA-related adverse events.

Results: Data were collected from 5,112 onabotulinumtoxinA treatment sessions for 194 patients over an average of 9.1 years. Dosing was relatively stable over time; however, interinjection intervals increased. Glabellar lines' treatment temporally preceded crow's feet lines and forehead lines' treatment. A majority of patients (85%) also received treatment with fillers. Cumulative increases in onabotulinumtoxinA treatments occurred over time and by facial area corresponding with increases in treatments with injectable fillers, energy-based devices, and prescription topical creams. The longer the patients were treated, the younger they perceived themselves to look. Rates of adverse events were low.

Conclusion: OnabotulinumtoxinA treatment evolved over time, coinciding with growth of the facial aesthetics market. Additional treatment modalities were added as complements to onabotulinumtoxinA. Long-term continuous onabotulinumtoxinA injections are an important component of contemporary facial aesthetic treatment regimens.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A / administration & dosage*
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A / adverse effects
  • Combined Modality Therapy / trends
  • Cosmetic Techniques / trends*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Dermatologic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Esthetics
  • Eye
  • Female
  • Forehead
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuromuscular Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Neuromuscular Agents / adverse effects
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Self Concept
  • Skin Aging / drug effects*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Dermatologic Agents
  • Neuromuscular Agents
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A