Safety and efficacy of intradermal injection of botulinum toxin for the treatment of oily skin

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of intradermal injection of abobotulinumtoxinA for the treatment of oily skin.

Methods and materials: Twenty-five patients with oily skin were treated in the forehead region with intradermal injections of botulinum toxin. Baseline and post-treatment sebum production was measured using a sebometer. Photographs were taken. Patients were also asked to rate their satisfaction with the treatment in terms of improvement in their oily skin.

Results: Treatment with botulinum toxin resulted in significantly lower sebum production at 1 week and 1, 2, and 3 months after injection (p < .001, t-test). Twenty-one patients (91%) reported that they were satisfied (50-75% improvement) with intradermal botulinum toxin as a treatment for oily skin. [Correction added after online publication 7-Jan-2013: the number of satisfied patients has been updated]

Conclusion: Intradermal injection of botulinum toxin significantly reduced sebum production in the forehead region, with a high degree of patient satisfaction. Intradermal botulinum toxin may be an effective treatment to reduce sebum production in patients with oily skin. Larger, randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled studies are warranted.