A new study has found that botulinum toxin type A is an effective alternative to plastic surgery for patients with masseteric muscle hypertrophy (MMH).

Researchers used botulinum toxin type A to treat MMH in five patients (three women and two men), aged 46 to 56 years. In the MMH patients, botulinum toxin was injected directly into the swollen masseter muscle. An average of 20 days later, the patients had reduced swelling and improvement in the contour of the lower face. In one patient, treatment had to be repeated on one side of the face. None of the patients had any complications, and all were highly satisfied with their results.

The study was conducted at Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Italy, and is published in the November issue of Journal of Craniofacial Surgery.

[Source: Medical News Today]