The Volumetric Effect of Botulinum Toxin Type A Injection on the Parotid Gland: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Area of Science:

• Aesthetic Medicine
• Plastic Surgery
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Botulinum neurotoxin type A (BTX-A) is utilized for aesthetic lower face narrowing via masseter muscle injection.
• BTX-A administration to parotid glands can reduce lower facial width, but quantitative data is lacking.
• This study addresses the need for quantitative analysis of BTX-A's effect on parotid glands for facial slimming.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantitatively assess the impact of BTX-A injections on parotid glands.
• To determine effective dosages of BTX-A for facial slimming through parotid gland treatment.
• To evaluate BTX-A's efficacy in managing salivary gland enlargement for lower face contouring.

Main Methods:

• A randomized clinical trial involving 30 patients seeking facial slimming.
• Patients were assigned to high-dose BTX-A, low-dose BTX-A, or placebo groups.
• BTX-A was injected into parotid glands during facial bone fracture surgery.

Main Results:

• Significant reductions in lower facial width were observed in both high- and low-dose BTX-A groups compared to the placebo (P < 0.001).
• A significant interaction between time and treatment group was noted (P < 0.001).
• Parotid gland volume recovery after 3 months was 7.6% in the high-dose group and 4.8% in the low-dose group.

Conclusions:

• BTX-A injections into the parotid glands are an effective treatment for salivary gland enlargement.
• This method offers a viable option for lower face contouring and aesthetic facial slimming.
• The study provides quantitative evidence supporting BTX-A's efficacy in parotid gland reduction.