Botulinum Toxins in Medical and Cosmetic Dermatology

Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs), specifically types A and B, are used for a variety of cosmetic and medical treatments, including the treatment of hyperhidrosis, abnormal scarring, Raynaud’s phenomenon, bullous disease, and alopecia. A review of 404 studies found that BoNTs are generally considered safe at the doses used for these treatments. In the field of hair loss, BoNT-A has been used to treat various types of alopecia, with most studies reporting clinical improvement in hair growth or density. However, more randomized controlled trials are needed to determine the true effect of BoNT on hair growth. New formulations of BoNT-A are currently being trialed for the treatment of glabellar and periocular lines. Despite its versatility, clinicians need to be aware of potential site-specific adverse events and the need for further clinical trials to determine long-term safety concerns.