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Botox injections increased pliability, elastic recoil in face

Botox injected into facial skin for wrinkling treatment resulted in increased pliability, elastic recoil and reduced skin distension, which lasted up to 4 months, according to recently published study results.

Researchers studied 48 Botox-naive (onabotulinum toxin A; Allergan) women (mean age, 55.2 years) with a minimum of mild wrinkle levels at the glabella and lateral orbit, according to the Facial Wrinkle Scale. From Oct. 1, 2012 to June 31, 2013, patients at a private facial plastic surgery clinic were treated with onabotulinum toxin A, with each 200-U vial mixed with 2 mL of sodium chloride, 0.9% with preservatives. Assessment was at baseline and 2 weeks, 2 months, 3 months and 4 months after injection. The points of treatment were the glabella, supraorbit and lateral orbit.

A significant effect of time on pliability (F=20.5), elastic recoil (F=6.92) and Uv/Ue ratio (F=5.6) was measured for the supraobit. In the glabella, there also was a significant effect of time on pliability (F=32.23), elastic recoil (F=31.66) and Uv/Ue ratio (F=10.11). Lateral orbit displayed significant effect of time on pliability (F=15.83), elastic recoil (F=11.43) and Uv/Ue ratio (F=10.60).

According to the researchers, the alteration in biomechanical properties in the skin lasted up to 4 months in the glabella and 3 months in the other sites.

“The changes occurring in patients’ skin appear to be the opposite of those associated with the aging process and UV radiation exposure and inflammation,” the researchers wrote. “Future studies are required to determine and quantify the histologic changes that are occurring.” — by Bruce Thiel

Disclosure: Bonaparte reported receiving an unrestricted educational research grant from Allergan Canada. Please see the study for a full list of the other researchers’ relevant financial disclosures.