Expanding the Use of Neurotoxins in Facial Aesthetics: A Consensus Panel's Assessment and Recommendations

Injection of botulinum toxin type A (BoNTA) is the most common nonsurgical aesthetic procedure undertaken in the United States (U.S.). A new formulation of BoNTA (abobotulinumtoxinA, Dysport (TM)) has recently been approved in the U.S. for the treatment of glabellar lines. This product has been used for facial aesthetics in other parts of the world for more than 15 years, whereas in the U.S. a different formulation (onabotulinumtoxinA, Botox (R) Cosmetic) has been used for many years. The various formulations of neurotoxins are unique and are not interchangeable nor are doses convertible from one product to another, so it is important that recommendations be developed to assist U.S. clinicians in understanding the differences between the two available formulations of BoNTA, which should ensure successful outcomes with these products. A group of worldwide experts on the aesthetic use of BoNTA convened in February 2009 in New York, NY, to review the use of BoNTA and to develop consensus recommendations for the use of the new formulation, since such guidelines previously had only been published in German. This publication summarizes key discussions from the meeting as well as recommendations and suggestions regarding the use of abobotulinumtoxinA in the areas of the face most commonly treated with BoNTA.