Nonsurgical reshaping of the lower face.

Abstract

The use of botulinum toxin in aesthetic reshaping of the mandibular angle has been well established in East Asian populations. This has not previously been investigated in Western populations. Our objective was to determine the efficacy of botulinum toxin injections in aesthetic reshaping of the lower face in Western populations and compare it to that in East Asian populations. Thirty-four Western patients (study group) had their masseteric muscles injected with botulinum toxin with an initial dose of 25 to 30 units on each side. This was compared to 48 East Asian patients (control group) who received an initial dose of 40 units on each side. All patients achieved aesthetic improvement of the shape of their lower face, with an additional improvement in functional outcome attributed to bruxism in Western patients. There were few complications. The therapeutic dose for the Western population was lower than that for East Asian patients. In the Western population, aesthetic improvement lasted from 9 to 12 months, while the functional improvement from bruxism lasted for 6 to 7 months. Botulinum toxin is effective in improving the aesthetic appearance of the lower face and the functional outcome in Western patients with masseteric hypertrophy.