Botulinum toxin for the treatment of hyperfunctional lines of the forehead

BACKGROUND: In the 21(st) century, we live longer and a more active life. However, while our adult longevity continues to extend, society does not welcome a tired and aged appearance. We wish to continue to look as young as possible. Most facial rejuvenation techniques such as surgery and injection of collagen, silicone, or autogenous fat do not address the fact that these lines are functional, i.e. they do not target the cause of hyperfunctional lines: the underlying facial mimetic musculature. AIM: To find the efficacy of Botulinum toxin for the treatment of hyperfunctional lines of the forehead. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study consisted of 25 subjects in the age group of 25–65 years with forehead wrinkles, who visited the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, CIDS, Virajpet. The materials used for Botulinum toxin treatment were Botulinum toxin A, a standard freezer, sterile saline solution, alcohol swabs, and insulin syringes with 30 gauge needles. RESULTS: Of the 25 patients, 21 patients showed satisfactory improvement of their hyperfunctional facial lines within 72 h. Maximum improvement was noted in the age group of 25–40 years, while the older age group of 50–65 years showed less improvement. Maximum improvement was seen in type 5 skin, followed by type 4 and type 3 skin. Type 2 skin showed the least improvement. CONCLUSION: We conclude that Botulinum toxin A is a safe and efficacious method of nonsurgically eliminating hyperfunctional facial lines of the forehead in the aesthetic patient for a period of 4–6 months.