Patient satisfaction with different botulinum toxin type A formulations in the treatment of moderate to severe upper facial rhytids

Abstract

Background: The clinical characteristics of botulinum toxin type A (BoNTA) depend on the formulation used. Objective: To evaluate whether switching BoNTA formulations affects patient satisfaction. Methods: Forty patients enrolled and all were satisfied or extremely satisfied with Allergan BoNTA (BoNTA–Allergan) treatment in the glabellar±crow's feet±forehead area(s) in the preceding 6 months. Once improvement from this previous treatment had started to diminish, treatment was replicated using Ipsen BoNTA (BoNTA–Ipsen) at a 1:2.5 dose ratio. Results: The incidence of patients rating treatment as effective or very effective in making them look younger, look rested, and look less stressed was significantly higher with BoNTA–Allergan than BoNTA–Ipsen – 83% versus 36%, 90% versus 39%, and 83% versus 33%, respectively – even though evaluations were performed a mean of 20 weeks after BoNTA–Allergan treatment and only 16 weeks after BoNTA–Ipsen treatment. The incidence of patients who were satisfied or extremely satisfied was 100% (BoNTA–Allergan) versus 31% (BoNTA–Ipsen). BoNTA–Allergan was preferred by 69% of patients. Conclusions: Efficacy, satisfaction, and product preference ratings strongly favor the use of BoNTA–Allergan over BoNTA–Ipsen in the treatment of upper facial lines. Many patients who are satisfied with BoNTA–Allergan treatment become less satisfied if they are switched to BoNTA–Ipsen.