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Introduction: What Is Botulinum Toxin?

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Minimally Invasive Aesthetic Procedures

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Abstract

Since its development for aesthetic use, botulinum toxin type A rapidly became one of the most popular cosmetic procedures. It is a fast minimally invasive and low-risk procedure, used with high efficacy in facial and non-facial indications.

Three commercial formulations are approved for cosmetic use, but they are not interchangeable. Dose equivalences between these formulations have been studied to provide similar results. The field of effects of all toxins is dose dependent.

Glabella was the first cosmetic indication approved by the regulatory agencies. Initially, only upper facial indications were targeted. Over time, middle and lower face indications and also non-facial indications started to be treated with successful results.

Proper technique, knowledge of facial anatomy, and correct evaluation of each individual’s characteristics are essential to obtain the best efficacious results. Non-cosmetic and cosmetic side effects may occur after the use of botulinum toxin type A. They are mostly technique related, mild, and transitory.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Brazilian Center for Studies in Dermatology, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil

    Doris Hexsel, Fernanda Camozzato & Carolina Siega

  2. Hexsel Dermatologic Clinics, Porto Alegre/Rio de Janeiro, RS/RJ, Brazil

    Doris Hexsel

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  1. Doris Hexsel
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  2. Fernanda Camozzato
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  3. Carolina Siega
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Correspondence to Doris Hexsel .

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  1. Instituto de Assistência Médica ao Servidor Público Estadual (IAMSPE), Tenured International Professor and Mentor for PhD and MSc Programs, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

    Adilson Da Costa

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Hexsel, D., Camozzato, F., Siega, C. (2020). Introduction: What Is Botulinum Toxin?. In: Costa, A. (eds) Minimally Invasive Aesthetic Procedures . Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-78265-2_25

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-78265-2_25

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