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Updated: Aug 4, 2025
Ultrasound-guided Botulinum Toxin-A Injections: A Method of Treating Sialorrhea
Published on: November 9, 2016
The Volumetric Effect of Botulinum Toxin Type A Injection on the Parotid Gland: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Woo Shik Jeong1, Dae Won Hong1, Tae Joo Ahn2
1From the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Ulsan, College of Medicine, Seoul Asan Medical Center.
Background:
Botulinum neurotoxin type A (BTX-A) to the masseter muscle is a useful tool for the aesthetic narrowing of the width of the lower face. The administration of BTX-A to visible parotid glands is also effective to reduce lower facial width. However, no studies have quantitatively analyzed the effect of BTX-A on the parotid glands.
Methods:
The purpose of this study was to confirm the impact of BTX-A injection on the parotid gland and to suggest the effective dosage of BTX-A in facial slimming. This study was conducted by selecting patients who desired facial slimming from among patients who required surgery for a facial bone fracture. Patients undergoing BTX-A injection were randomized to high-dose, low-dose, and placebo groups, and different doses of BTX-A for each group were injected into both parotid glands during facial bone surgery.
Results:
A total of 30 patients were enrolled in this study. Ten patients in the high-dose group, eight in the low-dose group, and nine in the control group completed the clinical trial. There were significant changes in both the high- and low-dose groups compared with the control group ( P < 0.001, P < 0.001), and in interaction of time and group ( P < 0.001). Volume recovery after 3 months was found in 7.6% in the high-dose group and in 4.8% in the low-dose group.
Conclusion:
BTX-A injection into parotid glands can be an effective treatment option in managing salivary gland enlargement for lower face contouring.
Clinical Question/Level Of Evidence:
Therapeutic, II.
