Missy Gough, (847) 330-0101, ext. 384, [email protected]
Karen Klickmann, (847) 330-0101, ext. 341, [email protected]
EMBARGOED UNTIL MARCH 20, 1999
NEW TRICKS WITH BOTULINUM TOXIN
NEW ORLEANS (March 20, 1999) - Botulinum toxin is a purified form of one of the most potent poisons in the world. In high doses, it can cause the clinical disease botulism. However, in carefully administered low doses, it is useful in reversing the effects of aging skin.
Frown lines, crows feet, and other wrinkles which are caused by the use of small muscles in the face can be dramatically softened with botulinum toxin, an injectable agent used to paralyze these muscles. In addition, botulinum toxin decreases the patient's ability to frown or squint which prevents the progressive worsening of these lines over time. Thus, botulinum toxin is both corrective and preventative for aging skin.
Speaking today at the American Academy of Dermatology's 57th Annual Meeting in New Orleans, Alastair Carruthers, M.D., Clinical Professor, Division of Dermatology, University of British Columbia, discussed how to increase results of botulinum toxin as well as its new uses.
"While botulinum toxin has been established as a satisfactory treatment for aging skin, results can be enhanced by using a number of simple techniques," stated Dr. Carruthers. "The use of diabetic syringes is one example. The fine needles of these syringes have made the injection of botulinum toxin much more accurate and technically easy."
To alleviate the lowering of the brow that may sometimes occur in the treatment of horizontal forehead lines, botulinum toxin can be injected into the brow muscle at the same time as the forehead lines. In addition, reducing the number of injection sites will minimize the bruising that may develop after the treatment for crows feet.
"Botulinum toxin can now be used satisfactorily in a number of other areas to improve some aesthetic problems," reported Dr. Carruthers. For example, lower eyelids can be softened with one or two units of botulinum toxin injected under the lash margin. It can also be used for the lines on the side of the nose ("bunny" or "crunch" lines) and to soften the upper part of the area between the lips and the nose.
Deep wrinkles on the upper lip can be particularly bothersome to some individuals. While usually treated by other methods, botulinum toxin can be used to augment other treatments for these particularly deep lines.
A turn down at the corner of the mouth is a common complaint. Although this is often treated with collagen to lift the corner, botulinum toxin can be used to inactivate the muscle which pulls down the corner of the mouth.
While botulinum toxin has a well-established, useful role in before and after laser resurfacing, it is now being used more extensively in the pre- and post-surgical management of individuals undergoing other procedures. Botulinum toxin is valuable for patients prior to treatment of the eyelids (blepharoplasty). In addition, botulinum toxin is the only satisfactory treatment for the involuntary movement of muscles (synkinesis) that may occur after a face-lift. As more surgeons become familiar with botulinum toxin, it will become increasingly common before and after brow lifts and face-lifts.
"Future uses of botulinum toxin will develop in coming years," stated Dr. Carruthers. "Its recent use for the treatment of excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) is a good example of the broadening range of use of this therapeutic modality."
The American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership over 11,000 dermatologists worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the science and art of medicine and surgery related to the skin; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; supporting and enhancing patient care; and promoting a lifetime of healthier skin, hair, and nails. For more information, contact the AAD at 1-888-462-DERM or www.aad.org.
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