Complications With the Use of Botulinum Toxin Type A for Cosmetic Applications and Hyperhidrosis

Article in Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery 26(1):29-33 · April 2007

DOI: 10.1016/j.sder.2006.12.004 · Source: PubMed

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/6456563_Complications_With_the_Use_of_Botulinum_Toxin_Type_A_for_Cosmetic_Applications_and_Hyperhidrosis

In dermatology, botulinum toxin is now more commonly used to reduce dynamic facial wrinkles and treat primary local hyperhidrosis. The exemplary safety record of this medication is such that after nearly 2 decades, it is not known to have any long-term side effects. Transient adverse events, such as mild injection pain, are usually minor and resolve spontaneously. Headache, nausea, and flu-like symptoms, lid and brow ptosis following upper facial injection, lower facial asymmetry following perioral injection, and motor impairment following palm injection are rare to very rare. Understanding anatomical landmarks and site-specific precautions can further mitigate the incidence of adverse effects. Patients who experience rare, transient effects can be reassured that these are not dangerous and will resolve completely without intervention.