Botulinum toxin for masseter reduction in Asian patients

Area of Science:

• Aesthetic medicine
• Facial plastic surgery
• Neuromodulation

Background:

• Asian patients commonly desire aesthetic alteration of hypertrophic masseter muscles.
• Prominent mandibular angles are frequently addressed through surgical reduction in Asia.
• Botulinum toxin presents a less invasive alternative for masseter reduction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and patient satisfaction of botulinum toxin injections for aesthetic lower face narrowing.
• To assess the outcomes of reducing hypertrophic masseter muscles in an Asian patient cohort.
• To determine optimal dosing and injection intervals for masseteric hypertrophy treatment.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study involving 20 Asian patients seeking lower face aesthetic alteration.
• Botulinum toxin injections administered at the inferior masseter border, with additional doses as needed.
• Dosage: Initially 25 U per side, with up to 25 U additional per side at 1-week intervals.
• Follow-up up to 12 months, assessing reduction, results, and side effects.

Main Results:

• Seven patients (35%) required one injection, 10 (50%) required two, and 3 (15%) required three.
• Maximum reduction in masseter hypertrophy observed at 1 to 2 months post-injection.
• More prominent hypertrophy correlated with more impressive aesthetic results.
• Maintenance re-injections were typically needed at 6 to 8 months.

Conclusions:

• Botulinum toxin injections are an effective and well-tolerated treatment for masseter hypertrophy in Asian patients.
• The procedure resulted in significant aesthetic lower face narrowing and high patient satisfaction (19/20).
• Minor, transient side effects like mild fatigue or buccal weakness were reported in a small percentage of patients.