Botulinum toxin for periocular lines: the single‐injection technique

BACKGROUND: Botulinum is a well established treatment for facial wrinkles and hyperfunctional lines, including those at the periocular area. OBJECTIVE: To illustrate a simple periocular injection technique. It differs from the usual one since it is a single injection, instead of several. METHODS: Thirty consecutive patients were treated with this technique on one side, and the standard multipuncture technique on the contralateral side. Each patient, being their own control, received 10-12 Botox units to each side. The orbicularis oculi muscle was injected using two different types of needles: a standard 30 g 13 mm needle for the multipunctured side and a 30 g 25 mm needle for the single puncture side. Follow up assessments were made on days 7, 15 and 120. RESULTS: Good results were achieved in all patients. No relevant cosmetic difference was noticeable between the two sides. The pharmacological effect lasted about 5 months, with no difference between the two techniques. Both techniques were safe and caused the same amount of bruising. The single injection was preferred by patients. The single-injection technique, on the other hand, requires more skill and experience by the operator. CONCLUSIONS: The single-injection technique for periocular lines is a useful alternative to the standard multipuncture technique. It reduces patients' discomfort.