Treatment of Facial Flaccidity and Sagging after Botulinum Toxin A Injection into the Masseter.

BACKGROUND

Botulinum toxin A injection for masseter reduction is generally considered minimally invasive, safe, and effective. However, this approach may lead to facial flaccidity and sagging, especially in older patients with reduced elasticity of the skin and the soft tissue.

METHODS

The authors analyzed 27 cases of patients who presented with the above complications and treated them with botulinum toxin A injections into the platysma and the depressor anguli oris muscle. The efficacy of treatment was evaluated by both patients and physicians.

RESULTS

Ninety-six percent of patients were satisfied with the treatment outcome. One patient considered the treatment outcome unsatisfactory because of the lack of significant improvement in nasolabial folds. Physician evaluation suggests significant improvement in all patients, including the one who considered the treatment outcome unsatisfactory.

CONCLUSION

Botulinum toxin A injection into the platysma and the depressor anguli oris muscles is a safe, convenient, and effect treatment to correct the complication of facial flaccidity and sagging after masseter reduction.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.