ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Among the nasal muscles, the levator labii superior alaeque nasi (LLSAN) acts as a transitional muscle that conjugates with other nasal and perinasal muscles. Thus, when treating the nasal region with Botulinum toxin (BTX), it is important to understand local nasal muscular dynamics and how they can influence the muscular dynamics of the entire face. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of cases treated by an injection pattern encompassing the face, including nasal muscles. Photographs were taken at rest and during motion (frontal and oblique views), before and after treatment. RESULTS: A total of 227 patients have been treated in the last 18 months with the following results: eyebrow tail lifting, softness of crow's feet, improvement of the drooping of the tip of the nose, and shortening of the lip philtrum when smiling. We present cases illustrating the use of this approach. CONCLUSIONS: Treating the facial muscles globally (including the frontal, corrugators, procerus, orbicularis oculi, platysma, DAO, and nasal muscles) can improve the smile and facial expressions. This is believed to occur because the elevated portion of the upper lip muscle becomes stronger as the nasal part of the LLSAN is paralyzed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .
Subject(s)
Botulinum Toxins, Type A , Facial Expression , Facial Muscles , Humans , Retrospective Studies , Facial Muscles/drug effects , Female , Botulinum Toxins, Type A/administration & dosage , Adult , Middle Aged , Male , Injections, Intramuscular , Treatment Outcome , Nose , Cohort Studies , Esthetics , Neuromuscular Agents/administration & dosageABSTRACT
Botulinum toxin is a safe and effective treatment option for axillary hyperhidrosis. Although its pathophysiology is not clear and somewhat controversial, the beneficial effect of neuromodulators in inhibiting localized sweating temporarily is well known. Before the procedure, correct identification of the affected area is mandatory to avoid wastage of drug and neglect of target areas, and to enhance efficacy, as the hyperhidrotic location may not match the hairy axillary region. Utilization of this medication, such as dilution and injection techniques, depends on medical experience and may have some variations, including methods to make the procedure as painless as possible.
