A split-face study using botulinum toxin type B to decrease facial erythema index.

INTRODUCTION

A reddish tone in facial skin is a common concern of patients who suffer from facial flushing. No studies have been conducted to date for evaluation of the effect of botulinum toxin type B (BTX-B) on facial flushing.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

We evaluated the efficacy of BTX-B for improvement of facial flushing. Fifteen Korean subjects who complained of facial flushing were enrolled in this study. Patients were randomized to receive BTX-B injections on one side of the face, with the other side receiving saline control injections. Changes in skin tone were evaluated using an overall self-assessment and an objective mexameter.

RESULT

After treatment, this mexameter demonstrated significant improvement of erythema at 8 weeks after injections on both sides. However, according to the change in erythema index measures between the two groups, the BTX-B injection side did not show a significant decrease in objective erythema, compared with the control side. Subjective satisfaction did not differ between the treated side and the control side.

CONCLUSION

Although findings from this study suggest that BTX-B was ineffective in treatment of facial flushing, it is significant that, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on an investigator-initiated, randomized, split-face trial for evaluation of efficacy of BTX-B treatment for facial flushing.