A split-face study using Botulinum Toxin type B to decrease facial Erythema index

INTRODUCTION: A reddish tone in facial skin is a common concern of patients who suffer from facial flushing. No studies have been conducted to date for evaluation of the effect of botulinum toxin type B (BTX-B) on facial flushing. MATERIALS AND METHOD: We evaluated the efficacy of BTX-B for improvement of facial flushing. Fifteen Korean subjects who complained of facial flushing were enrolled in this study. Patients were randomized to receive BTX-B injections on one side of the face, with the other side receiving saline control injections. Changes in skin tone were evaluated using an overall self-assessment and an objective mexameter. RESULT: After treatment, this mexameter demonstrated significant improvement of erythema at 8 weeks after injections on both sides. However, according to the change in erythema index measures between the two groups, the BTX-B injection side did not show a significant decrease in objective erythema, compared with the control side. Subjective satisfaction did not differ between the treated side and the control side. CONCLUSION: Although findings from this study suggest that BTX-B was ineffective in treatment of facial flushing, it is significant that, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on an investigator-initiated, randomized, split-face trial for evaluation of efficacy of BTX-B treatment for facial flushing.