BOTULINUM TOXIN IN AESTHETIC CONTOURING: FROM FACIAL SLIMMING TO BODY CONTOURING
Article Information
Download Article
How to Cite
Abstract
Botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) is one of the key tools in non-invasive aesthetic contouring. Initially used primarily for the reduction of dynamic wrinkles, BTX-A is now widely applied in facial slimming and body contouring. However, differences in anatomical characteristics, muscle physiology, and treatment responses across anatomical regions have not yet been systematically synthesized. Materials and methods: This study was conducted as a narrative review, based on a structured search of the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases for studies related to the application of BTX-A in facial and body aesthetic contouring. Results: BTX-A demonstrates significant effectiveness in reducing muscle volume and improving contour across various anatomical regions. Factors influencing outcomes include dosage, injection technique, muscle characteristics, and individual patient factors. Notably, substantial differences between facial and body contouring highlight the need for region-specific treatment approaches. Conclusion: BTX-A is an effective and safe modality in aesthetic contouring. Optimization of treatment outcomes requires a thorough understanding of anatomy, the mechanism of action, and individualized injection strategies. Future research should focus on dose standardization and the development of personalized treatment models to enhance both efficacy and safety.
Keywords
References
- Carruthers A, Carruthers J. Botulinum toxin type A: history and current cosmetic use in the upper face. Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2001;20(2):71-84. doi: 10.1053/sder.2001.25138. PubMed PMID: 11474747.
- Sundaram H, Signorini M, Liew S, Trindade de Almeida AR, Wu Y, Vieira Braz A, et al. Global Aesthetics Consensus: Botulinum Toxin Type A--Evidence-Based Review, Emerging Concepts, and Consensus Recommendations for Aesthetic Use, Including Updates on Complications. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2016;137(3):518e-29e. doi: 10.1097/01.prs.0000475758.63709.23. PubMed PMID: 26910696; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC5242214.
- Rossetto O, Pirazzini M, Montecucco C. Botulinum neurotoxins: genetic, structural and mechanistic insights. Nat Rev Microbiol. 2014;12(8):535-49. Epub 20140630. doi: 10.1038/nrmicro3295. PubMed PMID: 24975322.
- Simpson LL. The origin, structure, and pharmacological activity of botulinum toxin. Pharmacol Rev. 1981;33(3):155-88. PubMed PMID: 6119708.
- Kim NH, Chung JH, Park RH, Park JB. The use of botulinum toxin type A in aesthetic mandibular contouring. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2005;115(3):919-30. doi: 10.1097/01.prs.0000153236.79775.a0. PubMed PMID: 15731696.
- Jung GS. Soleus Muscle Reduction with Botulinum Toxin Type A Injection for Ankle Contouring. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2021;9(5):e3565. Epub 20210518. doi: 10.1097/gox.0000000000003565. PubMed PMID: 34881142; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC8647864.
- Chen W, Zhang X, Xu Y, Xu Z, Qin H, Zhang L. Ultrasound-guided five-point injection of botulinum toxin for patients with trapezius hypertrophy. J Orthop Surg Res. 2021;16(1):634. Epub 20211022. doi: 10.1186/s13018-021-02758-y. PubMed PMID: 34686203; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC8532279.
- Zhou RR, Wu HL, Zhang XD, Ye LL, Shao HJ, Song XH, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Botulinum Toxin Type A Injection in Patients with Bilateral Trapezius Hypertrophy. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2018;42(6):1664-71. Epub 20180911. doi: 10.1007/s00266-018-1201-3. PubMed PMID: 30206648.
- Swift A, Green JB, Hernandez CA, Aguilera SB, Fagien S, Gold MH, et al. Tips and Tricks for Facial Toxin Injections with Illustrated Anatomy. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2022;149(2):303e-12e. doi: 10.1097/prs.0000000000008708. PubMed PMID: 35077430.
- Trévidic P, Sykes J, Criollo-Lamilla G. Anatomy of the Lower Face and Botulinum Toxin Injections. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2015;136(5 Suppl):84s-91s. doi: 10.1097/prs.0000000000001787. PubMed PMID: 26441118.
- Lee KL, Cho HJ, Bae H, Park HJ, Park MS, Kim HJ. Anatomical Considerations When Treating Compensatory Hypertrophy of the Upper Part of the Masseter after Long-Term Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A Injections. Toxins (Basel). 2020;12(3). Epub 20200322. doi: 10.3390/toxins12030202. PubMed PMID: 32235784; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC7150825.
- Lee SJ, McCall WD, Jr., Kim YK, Chung SC, Chung JW. Effect of botulinum toxin injection on nocturnal bruxism: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2010;89(1):16-23. doi: 10.1097/PHM.0b013e3181bc0c78. PubMed PMID: 19855255.
- Naumann M, Jankovic J. Safety of botulinum toxin type A: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Curr Med Res Opin. 2004;20(7):981-90. doi: 10.1185/030079904125003962. PubMed PMID: 15265242.
- Kroumpouzos G, Kassir M, Gupta M, Patil A, Goldust M. Complications of Botulinum toxin A: An update review. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021;20(6):1585-90. Epub 20210430. doi: 10.1111/jocd.14160. PubMed PMID: 33864431.
License
© 2026 The Author(s). Published by Journal of Health and Aging.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
