Wrinkle Injections: October 2018

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

Botulinum Toxin Injections Between the Brows Produce Significant Patient Satisfaction Rates

Botulinum toxin type A injections are the most common cosmetic procedure performed in the United States. There were 4.3 million procedures performed in 2015 accounting for 42 percent of all cosmetic procedures in that year, based on the Cosmetic Surgery National Data Bank Statistics from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, (ASAPS). According to a 2016 study published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal, the official publication of ASAPS, patient satisfaction with their overall facial appearance increased by 28 percent with injections to the so-called “11s” (the glabellar rhytids, which are the lines that appear between the brows as we age).

The satisfaction rate was determined based on participating patients’ completion of the FACE-Q survey, a newly developed and validated patient-reported outcome instrument that can be used for measuring a patient’s own perceptions of cosmetic facial procedures. The survey consists of 63 questions asking patients to evaluate their overall appearance, age appearance, and the appearance of cheeks, nasolabial folds, lower face and jawline, chin and neck.

Dr. Daniel C. Mills, president of ASAPS states, “The results of this study are not surprising and validate what we’ve suspected for quite some time. I see an ever-increasing influx of patients in my practice in Laguna Beach, California requesting botulinum toxin type A injections to the area between the brows and other areas on the face, like the crow’s feet and forehead as a preventative anti-aging or pre-aging measure from patients in their 20s up to their 70s. It’s a quick nonsurgical fix that packs a powerful punch. This new study reaffirms the efficacy of botulinum toxin type A and the satisfaction it brings to patients.”

The study’s authors examined 57 female patients who completed the FACE-Q survey. After the baseline survey, the patients received injections of one brand of botulinum toxin type A, (Botox, Dysport or Xeomin) in the region between the brows. Two weeks post-injection, the patients completed the FACE-Q survey again. The percentage changes in patient responses from the first to second surveys were assessed to determine how the injections affected patient satisfaction with their facial appearance.

Patients stated that they believe they look an average of 5.6 years younger post-injection with any of the botulinum toxin type A products. The average age of the 57 patients with pre- and post-neurotoxin FACE-Q responses was 49.6 years (range of 32-75 years old).

“This indicates that patients’ satisfaction with their overall facial appearance was statistically significantly greater after receiving the injections, and certainly accounts for the continued success of neurotoxin popularity to reduce the signs of aging,” states Dr. Ivona Percec, the study’s senior author.

To view the complete study, visit the Aesthetic Surgery Journal website, academic.oup.com/asj.

About ASAPS

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), is recognized as the world’s leading organization devoted entirely to aesthetic plastic surgery and cosmetic medicine of the face and body. ASAPS is comprised of more than 2,600 plastic surgeons; active members are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (USA) or by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and have extensive training in the complete spectrum of surgical and nonsurgical aesthetic procedures. International active members are certified by equivalent boards of their respective countries. All members worldwide adhere to a strict code of ethics and must meet stringent membership requirements.

Courtesy of The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery