Efficacy and Safety of IncobotulinumtoxinA for the Treatment of Platysmal Bands of the Aging Neck: An Open-Label, Prospective Pilot Study
December 2013 | Volume 12 | Issue 12 | Original Article | 1461 | Copyright © December 2013
Elena I. Gubanova MD,a Olga S. Panova MD,b Elena A. Sanchez MD,b
Maria Y. Rodina MD,a and Polina A. Starovatovaa
aVallex M, Clinic of Preventive Medicine, Moscow, Russia
bEclan, Medical Center of Cosmetological Correction, Moscow, Russia
OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy and safety of incobotulinumtoxinA for the treatment of platysmal bands.
METHODS: Women, 35–65 years of age, with platysmal bands scoring 2 or 3 on the validated 5-point Merz dynamic platysmal bands scale received a total of 60 U incobotulinumtoxinA divided between four platysmal bands (20 U in both medial bands and 10 U in both lateral bands). Investigator assessments according to the 5-point scale were made at baseline and from standardized clinical photographs taken at follow-up visits 14±2, 56±7 and 84±7 days after treatment. The global aesthetic improvement scale (GAIS) and a novel questionnaire were used to assess subject treatment satisfaction. Adverse events were recorded.
RESULTS: Twenty-five women (mean age 51.8 years) were included in the study. With a responder defined as a subject with at least a 1-point improvement from baseline on the dynamic platysmal bands scale, the response rate at maximum contraction was 100% at Day 14 as assessed by the investigator. By the same definition, a high response rate (96%) was maintained at maximum contraction at Day 84. Subjects reported that, at Day 84, 86.3% of the maximal effect (defined as the effect on Day 14) persisted. Subject-reported satisfaction was high, as indicated by the self-assessment on the GAIS and results from the subject satisfaction questionnaire. Treatment- related adverse events were mild and reversible.
CONCLUSION: IncobotulinumtoxinA is an effective, well-tolerated treatment for platysmal bands, with a high percentage of the treatment effect maintained at 3 months after treatment. Investigator and subject assessments both indicated high levels of treatment satisfaction.
J Drugs Dermatol. 2013;12(12):1461-1466.