SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF INTRADERMAL INJECTION OF BOTULINUM TOXIN FOR THE TREATMENT OF OILY SKIN

Sulafa Ahmad, MD*, Abdul Halim Roumie, PhD and Roula Baddour, PhD

ABSTRACT

Objectives: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of intradermal injection of botulinum toxin for the treatment of oily skin and enlarged facial pores. Methods: Thirty-four patients with oily skin and enlarged facial pores were treated with intradermal injection of botulinum toxin type A on the face. Pore size was measured using a digital microscope. Patients were asked to assess their sebum production at baseline and post-treatment and to rate their satisfaction in terms of overall improvement of skin oiliness and pore size. Results: Treatment with intradermal botulinum toxin resulted in sebum production alteration. 14 subjects had moderate sebum production (41.2%) and 20 subjects had severe sebum production (58.8%) at baseline. After two weeks, most subjects had mild and very mild sebum production (39.4% and 21.2% respectively). No significant difference in pore size was noted between the first visit and follow-up visit using a digital microscope (0.33 cm ± 0.15) at baseline and after two weeks (0.31 cm ± 0.15) (p <0.05, t-test). 16 patients reported they were satisfied (48.5%). No significant side effects were reported. Conclusions: Botulinum toxin reduced sebum production in oily skin. However, it had no significant effect on reducing pore size.

Keywords: Botulinum toxin; oily skin; enlarged facial pores.