Botulinum toxin A for mentalis muscle dysfunction.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To describe the use of botulinum toxin A for treatment of mentalis muscle dysfunction secondary to failed augmentation mentoplasty. DESIGN: Clinical observations were made in the treatment of mentalis muscle dysfunction. Patients with the postmentoplasty signs of mental skin dimpling and soft tissue ptosis were injected with 20 U of botulinum toxin A and observed for visual and functional improvement. Photographs were taken for documentation. SETTING: Private facial plastic surgery practice. PATIENTS: Three patients with a history of failed augmentation mentoplasty were identified and signs/symptoms recorded. Each patient was treated with 20 U of botulinum toxin A and observed for clinical improvement. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pretreatment and posttreatment photographs of active and passive mentalis function together with patient satisfaction surveys. RESULTS: Of the 3 patients treated, all reported alleviation of the mentalis dysfunction and improved appearance. The symptoms began to return as the botulinum toxin A effects subsided. CONCLUSIONS: Botulinum toxin A is a safe and effective treatment of mentalis dysfunction secondary to failed augmentation mentoplasty. The effects are predictable, although temporary.