Research Papers on Neurotoxin

• Dr Meg Minasian, the founder of The MW Clinic London, has over 25 years experience in the therapeutic use of botulinum toxin, commonly known by the brand name 'Botox'. Primarily this was in the treatment of eye movement disorders, neurological facial dystonias and aberrant nerve regeneration following facial palsies.
• Like all responsible medical professionals she is consistently reviewing the latest research papers that are published across the world, for the benefit of her patients.
• Here are some of the most notable ones for Botulinum toxin treatments in the area of aesthetics:

'Scientific review of the aesthetic uses of botulinum toxin type A' (2021)

• Article's summary conclusion: "The clinical outcomes after BoNT injections depend not only on the skills of the injector, but also on the properties of commercial products and their propensity to diffuse, spread, and migrate, including volume and dilution, which may affect potency and systemic distribution to the CNS (central nervous system)."
• The full research document can be found at PubMed Central here.

'Treatment of Depression with Botulinum Toxin' (2022)

• Article's summary conclusion: "During the last decade, a series of randomized clinical trials and meta-analyses have shown that glabellar injections of BoNT can reduce the symptoms of mild to moderate depression. Since phase III studies are still pending, there has been no registration for BoNT as a treatment for depression. However, on the basis of its registered indication in the treatment of glabellar frown lines, BoNT can be used in the clinical management of depression today, having been proven a helpful option for patients who did not improve sufficiently or who experienced side effects from treatment with established antidepressant medications. BoNT treatment targets proprioceptive feedback from the face that may have an upholding and reinforcing effect on depressed mood. However, the actual mechanisms of action are still unknown and are the subject of ongoing research."
• The full research document can be found at PubMed Central here.

'Microtoxin for Improving Pore Size, Skin Laxity, Sebum Control, and Scars: A Roundtable on Integrating Intradermal Botulinum Toxin Type A Microdoses Into Clinical Practice' (2023)

• Article's summary conclusion: "Although the most common employment of BoNT-A in aesthetic medicine remains a more traditional injection for local neuromodulation, microtoxin treatment is an important tool for neuromodulation at the level of the dermis, where many of the muscles integrate with the dermis to control motion of the overlying skin.39 When injected into this plane as tiny, ∼20 U/mL droplets, rather than into the muscles as larger, more concentrated injections, the toxin has a wider field of effect and is able to act not only on the most superficial motor neurons, but also on sympathetic nerves in glandular tissues and the nonneuronal cholinergic system. This broader activity leads to a global improvement in appearance that is unique to the microtoxin approach. The technique serves a wide range of patients and is an excellent opportunity to expand the use of BoNT-A in clinical practice."
• The full research document can be found at PubMed Central here.

'Microdroplet Botulinum Toxin: A Review' (2022)

• Article's summary conclusion: "Microdroplet technique can be considered a simple, relatively safe, and effective treatment used for facial and neck rejuvenation. Its ability to preserve muscle movement and provide “natural looking” results makes it a desirable option."
• The full research document can be found at PubMed Central  here 

'Glabellar Botulinum Toxin Injection Improves Depression Scores: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis' (2022)

• Article's summary conclusion: "Meta-analysis and systematic review of the included studies provide support for an antidepressant effect of glabellar onabotulinumtoxinA injections.."
• The full research document can be found at PubMed Central here. 

'Safety of Botulinum Toxin A in Aesthetic Treatments: A Systematic Review of Clinical Studies' (2014)

• Article's summary conclusion:"The short-term safety profile of BoNT-A in cosmetic nonsurgical procedures was confirmed for all the three commercial formulations."
• The full research document can be found at Wiley here.

'A Review of Complications Due to the Use of Botulinum Toxin A for Cosmetic Indications' (2021)

• Article's summary conclusion:" As the use of toxins becomes increasingly more common, adverse events can be expected to increase as well. The practitioners need to be aware of such AEs, and the patients should be informed of these before undertaking such procedures."
• The full research document can be found at Springer here.

'Efficacy of botulinum toxins on bruxism: an evidence-based review' (2012)

• Article's summary conclusion: "Botulinum toxin injections are effective on bruxism and are safe to use. Therefore, they can be used clinically for otherwise healthy patients with bruxism."
• The full research document can be found at Wiley here.

• If you're interested in learning more about our botulinum toxin injections or any of our other cosmetic treatments, please don't hesitate to contact us. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have and help you schedule a consultation with Dr Meg Minasian.
• To book a consultation with Dr Meg Minasian please contact us here or book online here.