Micro injection of botulinum and its effects on the skin

Abstract Introduction Microbotox generally refers to the injection of small aliquots of dilute botulinumtoxinA into the dermis or the junction of the dermis and underlying musculature. This novel procedure has been popularized as a treatment to improve skin quality. Objectives The purpose of this literature review is to further the understanding of techniques and to evaluate the published outcomes in microbotox treatment. Methods We conducted a keyword search in Pubmed, Google Scholar, and the university library database, yielding 363 publications. We extensively reviewed those articles which met eligibility criteria to include evaluate microbotox and its effects on skin quality. Results While treatment parameters vary across the peer‐reviewed literature, microbotox appears to be a safe and effective treatment for improving skin quality. Benefits cited range from improving skin texture, achieving facial lifting, softening rhytids, reducing oiliness and pore size, increasing hydration, and ameliorating erythema and flushing. Conclusion Microbotox has the unique potential benefit of improving all three key determinants of skin quality: visual, mechanical, and topographical. Further research would validate and quantify its beneficial effects in the skin.