Muscle contraction patterns and their associations in the upper third of the face: a clinical and epidemiological study

INTRODUCTION: The use of botulinum toxin has become one the essential cosmetic procedures performed in the world.
OBJECTIVE: To identify patterns of muscle contraction of the forehead, glabellar complex, and orbicularis oculi muscle in patients from southern Brazil, establishing their epidemiology and possible associations between them.
METHODS: One hundred and one patients who sought treatment with botulinum toxin for the forehead, glabella, and periocular lines between 2012 and 2016 were included. Analyzes were made using digital photographs taken during a medical consultation before applying the products., The subjects received with different brands of botulinum toxin, according to the patients’ or the doctors’ preference
RESULTS: The most common contraction patterns were complete frontal, glabellar in converging arrows, and complete periocular. Women represented 94.1% of patients. Most patients were between 31 and 50 years old, with an average of 44.57 years. More frequent patterns in each area were more frequently associated.
CONCLUSIONS: The study shows the main muscle contraction patterns of the upper third of the face in 101 patients, as well as their clinical characteristics, comparing them with previously published articles. Studies on muscle contraction patterns can assist in the safer and more rational use of the products available, avoiding waste and complications.

Keywords: Muscle contraction; Skin aging; Face; Facial muscles; Botulinum toxins type A