Botulinum Toxin Injections for Masseter Reduction in East Asians

Abstract

Background: Cultural ideals for a slimmer face have led to an upsurge in interest in facial contouring among East Asians. Although surgical resection has traditionally been the main treatment option, botulinum toxin injection is becoming a popular, noninvasive alternative.

Objective: To describe the use of botulinum toxin injection for masseter reduction in East Asians.

Methods: An electronic search of the PubMed database was performed for studies published from 2000 to 2017 that meet the word combination of botulinum toxin, masseter, hypertrophy, and/or lower face contouring. Only the studies conducted in East Asian countries were analyzed in this review, exception of one study from Thailand.

Results: A total of 12 publications were identified. Each study was reviewed to extract relevant information on patient selection, injection techniques, efficacy, dosage, frequency, and main side effects of treating masseters with botulinum toxin.

Conclusion: Botulinum toxin injection for masseter reduction in East Asians is efficacious and generally considered safe with no significant side effects. Future areas for investigation include defining the criteria for benign masseteric hypertrophy, minimum effective dosage of botulinum toxin, and the potential long-term effects of the injection.