A Retrospective Study Supporting the Importance of Individualizing the Dose of Botulinum Toxin According to the Age

BACKGROUND: Botulinum toxin type A injection remains the leading nonsurgical cosmetic procedure worldwide with a high rate of efficacy and patient satisfaction. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to demonstrate the importance of individualization of botulinum toxin doses to treat the upper face according to the age of the patients, considering the muscles particularities and the specificities of each face area. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study with 389 female patients treated with botulinum toxin type A in the upper third of the face (forehead, glabellar, and periorbital lines). Statistical analysis of the data was performed. RESULTS: The mean age was 47.49 years old and the median total dose of botulinum toxin type A was 53.76 units, whereas the median dose in the glabella was 26.28 U, the mean forehead dose was 12.23 U, and in the periorbital area was 14.79 U, adding both sides. It is possible to observe that the doses are negatively correlated with age, except in the periorbital area, where an increase in the dose was observed. CONCLUSION: It is important to highlight that although there is consensus on pre-established dose suggestions, the treatment should be individualized, respecting the individual characteristics of each patient.