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.