Neurotoxins: Other Uses and Future Possibilities

BoNT/A currently has many uses, both on- and off-label, and the number of indications continues to grow. The US Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approved dermatologic uses including axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive underarm sweating), migraine headache, glabellar and forehead rhytids, and lateral canthal lines (crow’s feet). Off-label dermatologic uses include lower face treatment, acne, rosacea, scar reduction, pain, and psoriasis. Researchers are currently considering multiple investigational applications of BoNT/A in medical specialties other than dermatology, including treatment of psychiatric, gastroenterological, neurologic, gynecologic, ophthalmic, and other conditions. This chapter will only focus on potential uses of BoNT/A in aesthetics. However, a chart listing many of the conditions currently treated with BoNT/A is included in this section to demonstrate the emerging potential applications of BoNT/A.