[Chemodenervation with botulinumtoxin in masseteric hypertrophy].

BACKGROUND

Masseteric hypertrophy is a unilateral or bilateral enlargement of the masseteric muscle of various aetiologies. The therapeutic options range from solely conservative measures, especially in functionally induced abnormalities, up to surgical ablation of the muscle. The presented study evaluates the application of botulinum toxin serotype A for the treatment of masseteric hypertrophy.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Between June 2000 and August 2004 seven patients with a unilateral and one patient with a bilateral manifestation of the condition were treated by an injection of botulinum toxin.

RESULTS

A significant improvement of facial asymmetry caused by chemodenervation and following reduction of the hypertrophic muscle mass could be achieved in all cases. Complications during the injection, side effects, signs of intoxication, and therapy failure were not observed.

CONCLUSION

The results of this treatment series show in agreement with the reports in the literature that the application of botulinum toxin can be currently considered as the therapy of choice in masseteric hypertrophy.