Botulinum neurotoxin type A in facial aesthetics.

Injection of botulinum neurotoxin type A has rapidly become the most common non-surgical cosmetic procedure performed, due to its exceptional safety profile, as well as its ability to rejuvenate and enhance a number of facial areas. There are several marketed botulinum neurotoxin preparations, but products are not interchangeable as each possesses distinctive characteristics that are attributed to the unique toxin purification and manufacturing processes. These differences can emerge in the form of potency, duration of effect and the potential for migration outside targeted tissue, causing unwanted effects. However, although there are established preclinical pharmacologic and therapeutic differences between products, there are few well-controlled clinical comparisons in facial aesthetics. It is important for clinicians using these products to understand these differences as they relate to achieving desired outcomes for patients who seek improved facial aesthetics.