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Clinical Uses of Botulinum Toxin in the Skin

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Botulinum Toxin Treatment in Clinical Medicine

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Abstract

The field of aesthetic dermatology has grown significantly over the last two decades, much of the success being led by injectables and non-surgical options for facial rejuvenation. The earliest pioneer within the injectable family is the use of botulinum toxin for dynamic facial rhytids, or expression lines and wrinkles. Over the years, the area of utilization has expanded from the upper central face and forehead to more complex uses around the eyes, mouth, and neck. Complemented with injectable fillers and lasers, botulinum toxin has become a staple in the anti-aging armamentarium. There will also be a discussion on the treatment of hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) using botulinum toxin, one of the few non-cosmetic uses in a dermatology clinic. The following section discusses both on- and off-label uses of botulinum toxin, which can be utilized safely and effectively. Injection technique and dosage varies from practice to practice based on the provider, but it is essential to know the underlying anatomy and muscles targeted. Equally important is the knowledge of potential side effects. Facial asymmetry and temporary functional impairment are real risks that should be incorporated into patient counseling prior to injections.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA

    James Yen Wang M.D., M.B.A.

  2. American Board of Dermatology and Dermatopathology, Newton, MA, 02459, USA

    James Yen Wang M.D., M.B.A.

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  1. James Yen Wang M.D., M.B.A.
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Correspondence to James Yen Wang M.D., M.B.A. .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Emeritus Professor of Neurology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA

    Bahman Jabbari

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Wang, J.Y. (2018). Clinical Uses of Botulinum Toxin in the Skin. In: Jabbari, B. (eds) Botulinum Toxin Treatment in Clinical Medicine. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-56038-0_13

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-56038-0_13

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

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  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-56038-0

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