A retrospective study in the use of botulinum toxin type-A in a UK multidisciplinary cosmetic practice

Botulinum toxin type-A is established as safe and effective and is widely used for cosmetic indications; however, little data exist on patient satisfaction following treatment.

To correlate patient satisfaction with dose levels in the treatment of hyperfunctional facial lines.

Retrospective data were collected on 300 patients treated with Botox for facial lines. Patients completed a subjective assessment of satisfaction with their treatment, and details of dose and treatment area were recorded.

Eighty-five percent of patients rated their satisfaction with treatment as > or = 8 (on a 10-point scale), with higher scores seen at higher dosages. The highest mean score was seen in the 51-75 U dose group. Satisfaction was highest in patients who had three facial areas treated vs. those who had one or two areas treated. No safety issues were raised.

The results show a high level of satisfaction with botulinum toxin type-A treatment, with most patients achieving a desired "natural" look. Future studies should be carried out to standardize ways of achieving optimum patient satisfaction to maximize the link between physical appearance and psychological well-being.