Objective To describe the use of botulinum toxin A for treatment of mentalis muscle
dysfunction secondary to failed augmentation mentoplasty.
Design Clinical observations were made in the treatment of mentalis muscle
dysfunction. Patients with the postmentoplasty signs of mental skin dimpling
and soft tissue ptosis were injected with 20 U of botulinum toxin A and observed
for visual and functional improvement. Photographs were taken for documentation.
Setting Private facial plastic surgery practice.
Patients Three patients with a history of failed augmentation mentoplasty were
identified and signs/symptoms recorded. Each patient was treated with 20 U
of botulinum toxin A and observed for clinical improvement.
Main Outcome Measures Pretreatment and posttreatment photographs of active and passive mentalis
function together with patient satisfaction surveys.
Results Of the 3 patients treated, all reported alleviation of the mentalis
dysfunction and improved appearance. The symptoms began to return as the botulinum
toxin A effects subsided.
Conclusions Botulinum toxin A is a safe and effective treatment of mentalis dysfunction
secondary to failed augmentation mentoplasty. The effects are predictable,
although temporary.
