A Randomized, Single-Blind, Crossover Study Evaluating the Impact of OnabotulinumtoxinA Treatment on Mood and Appearance During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Background: The emergence of COVID-19 led rapidly to one of the most severe disease outbreaks in modern history. This caused many aesthetic practices to close temporarily, providing a unique opportunity to evaluate the impact of neurotoxin use in the setting of an ongoing pandemic.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine whether administration of onabotulinumtoxinA (BOTOX Cosmetic, Allergan plc, Dublin, Ireland) to regular users synergistically amplifies the elevation in mood/happiness, self-satisfaction with appearance, and overall satisfaction in the context of the ongoing pandemic.

Methods: A randomized, single-blind, crossover study was designed to evaluate the impact of neurotoxin treatment in the upper third of the face on mood, self-satisfaction with appearance, and overall satisfaction. The placebo group crossed over to treatment after 1 month. Surveys evaluating patient happiness, self-satisfaction with appearance, and overall efficacy were completed by both groups, and again by the placebo group following crossover to treatment.

Results: Forty-five subjects were enrolled: 30 in the treatment group and 15 in the control/crossover group. The placebo group demonstrated no change in happiness or self-satisfaction in appearance until crossover to the treatment group. Both groups, once receiving onabotulinumtoxinA, reported increased happiness, self-satisfaction with appearance, and overall treatment satisfaction.

Conclusions: OnabotulinumtoxinA treatment to the upper face in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic was found to increase patient happiness, self-satisfaction with appearance, and overall treatment satisfaction.