2 types of cosmetic proteins compared for curing crow's feet
Botulinum toxin is a protein, which was for long considered harmful, and is now known as a neuromodulator (a chemical that affects nerve impulses) having cosmetic and medical uses.
In 2002, one type of the protein - onabotulinumtoxinA was approved for the treatment of wrinkles between the eyebrows. The second type, abobotulinumtoxinA received approval for the same indication in 2009.
The study authors compared both types of the protein in all contexts.
"Such an assessment could characterize and contrast their efficacy in clinical performance in the treatment of hyperfunctional lines and muscular relaxation," the authors write.
They conducted a randomized, double blind split-face study, using one agent on the right side and the other agent on the left side.
"Using a split-face (internally controlled) paradigm would provide direct comparison of each product in the same patient," they explain.
Ninety patients were given injections of onabotulinumtoxinA and of abobotulinumtoxinA on either side of their faces. The lateral orbital rhytids, or 'crow's feet' wrinkles, were the site treated.
According to the researchers, the difference between the two agents was significant when participants contracted the muscles as much as possible, with abobotulinumtoxinA producing a greater effect.
Approximately two-thirds of participants said they favored the side of their faces that was treated with abobotulinumtoxinA.
However, the authors remark that the study's results, while favorable to abobotulinumtoxinA, are limited in their scope.
They explained that no statistical significance between the two agents was seen when the muscles were at rest.
The study appears online in First today by Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery. (ANI -Posted on / )
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