Abstract
Introduction: The use of botulinum toxin has become one the essential cosmetic procedures
performed in the world.
Objective: To identify patterns of muscle contraction of the forehead, glabellar
complex, and orbicularis oculi muscle in patients from southern Brazil,
establishing their epidemiology and possible associations between them.
Methods: One hundred and one patients who sought treatment with botulinum toxin for
the forehead, glabella, and periocular lines between 2012 and 2016 were
included. Analyzes were made using digital photographs taken during a
medical consultation before applying the products., The subjects received
different brands of botulinum toxin, according to the patients’ or
the doctors’ preference.
Results: The most common contraction patterns were complete frontal, glabellar in
converging arrows, and complete periocular. Women represented 94.1% of
patients. Most patients were between 31 and 50 years old, with an average of
44.57 years. More frequent patterns in each area were more frequently
associated.
Conclusions: The study shows the main muscle contraction patterns of the upper third of
the face in 101 patients, as well as their clinical characteristics,
comparing them with previously published articles. Studies on muscle
contraction patterns can assist in the safer and more rational use of the
products available, avoiding waste and complications