Safety of botulinum toxin in aesthetic medicine

Abstract

Although BNT is one of the most potent toxins known today, it is a very safe drug when used appropriately. Irreversible medical complications are not known and the transient and localized complications that are reported from time to time when used in aesthetic medicine mirror the reversible and localized action of the compound. Especially noteworthy is the high therapeutic index (required dose for aesthetic treatment approx. 30 U, estimated LD50 is 3000 U Botox). Serious adverse events were only reported after using botulinum toxin of dubious origin (Allergan 2004). In the following chapter the most common adverse events of BNT when used in aesthetic medicine will be reviewed. Other indications, which might require higher doses of BNT, will not be reviewed. © 2007 Springer Berlin Heidelberg.