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A Review of Complications Due to the Use of Botulinum Toxin A for Cosmetic Indications

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  • Non-Surgical Aesthetic
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A Correction to this article was published on 29 November 2021

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Abstract

Background

Botulinum toxin A (botulinum toxin A) was found to provide a wide variety of therapeutic and aesthetic benefits as one of the most potent toxins in the world. Injectable remedies, including soft tissue fillers and botulinum toxin, have become very common in wrinkling and face rejuvenation management. While these methods of treatment are relatively safe, serious side effects can occur. In this review, the complications of BoNTA are highlighted.

Methods

A literature research considered published journal articles (clinical trials or scientific reviews). Electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct) were searched using key terms, and for identification of additional relevant studies, reference lists have also been examined. Only articles published in English were included in this review with a time restriction from 2000 to 2020.

Results

There are various injection-related adverse effects associated (AE) with botulinum toxins such as erythema, oedema, pain, ptosis of eyelid or brow and ecchymosis. The overall majority of adverse events identified are mild and temporary.

Conclusion

As the use of toxins becomes increasingly more common, adverse events can be expected to increase as well. The practitioners need to be aware of such AEs, and the patients should be informed of these before undertaking such procedures.

Level of Evidence III

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Fortis Hospital Ludhiana, Punjab, 141001, India

    Nitin Sethi

  2. Resplendent the Cosmetic Studio, R-9, GK-1, New Delhi, 110048, India

    Sukhbir Singh

  3. Aalst Dermatology Clinic, Aalst, Belgium

    Koenraad DeBoulle

  4. Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University College London and Royal Fre Hospital, Hampstead, London, NW3 2QG, UK

    Eqram Rahman

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  1. Nitin Sethi
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  2. Sukhbir Singh
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  3. Koenraad DeBoulle
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  4. Eqram Rahman
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Correspondence to Nitin Sethi.

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Conflict of interest

Nitin Sethi: Allergan Consultant, on the speakers' board and a Key opinion leader. Sukhbir Singh: Allergan Consultant, on the speakers' board and a Key opinion leader. Koenraad DeBoulle: Allergan consultant, on the speakers' board, received grants for studies and educational events. Eqram Rahman: No Conflict of interest to declare.

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Sethi, N., Singh, S., DeBoulle, K. et al. A Review of Complications Due to the Use of Botulinum Toxin A for Cosmetic Indications. Aesth Plast Surg 45, 1210–1220 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-020-01983-w

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