AbobotulinumtoxinA effective for face-lifting

(HealthDay)—AbobotulinumtoxinA (ABO) is efficacious for face-lifting, with better response for patients with oval-face shape and those aged younger than 32 years, according to a study published online Sept. 19 in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.

Rungsima Wanitphakdeedecha, M.D., from Mahidol University in Bangkok, and colleagues conducted a split-face comparison study to examine the face-lifting effect of ABO. Twenty-two subjects with symmetrical faces were randomly injected with ABO on one side and normal saline solution (NSS) on the other side using an intradermal injection technique. At baseline and two weeks after treatment, standardized photographic documentation was obtained. Two blinded dermatologists graded the face-lifting effect using photographic comparison.

The researchers found that 40.9 and 4.5 percent of patients with ABO and NSS demonstrated the face-lifting effect, respectively. When comparing ABO and NSS there was a statistically significant difference in face-lifting effect (P = 0.021). Fifty percent of patients receiving ABO injection reported face-lifting. Better response was reported for patients with oval-face shape (P = 0.046). Patients aged younger than 32 years had higher odds of face-lifting effect than those aged older than 32 years (odds ratio, 7.9). Overall, 22.7 percent of patients had facial asymmetry.

"This study demonstrated the face-lifting effect of ABO intradermal injection. Patients with oval-face shape and aged younger than 32 tended to respond better," the authors write. "Therefore, patient selection should be emphasized to improve efficacy of this technique."

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