Efficacy and safety of IncobotulinumtoxinA for the treatment of platysmal bands of the aging neck: an open-label, prospective pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: IncobotulinumtoxinA (Xeomin®/Xeomeen®/Bocouture®/XEOMIN Cosmetic™; botulinum toxin type A, free from complexing proteins [150 kDa], NT 201; Merz Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Frankfurt, Germany) is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for a variety of facial wrinkles. OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy and safety of incobotulinumtoxinA for the treatment of platysmal bands. METHODS: Women, 35-65 years of age, with platysmal bands scoring 2 or 3 on the validated 5-point Merz dynamic platysmal bands scale received a total of 60 U incobotulinumtoxinA divided between four platysmal bands (20 U in both medial bands and 10 U in both lateral bands). Investigator assessments according to the 5-point scale were made at baseline and from standardized clinical photographs taken at follow-up visits 14 ± 2, 56 ± 7 and 84 ± 7 days after treatment. The global aesthetic improvement scale (GAIS) and a novel questionnaire were used to assess subject treatment satisfaction. Adverse events were recorded. RESULTS: Twenty-five women (mean age 51.8 years) were included in the study. With a responder defined as a subject with at least a 1-point improvement from baseline on the dynamic platysmal bands scale, the response rate at maximum contraction was 100% at Day 14 as assessed by the investigator. By the same definition, a high response rate (96%) was maintained at maximum contraction at Day 84. Subjects reported that, at Day 84, 86.3% of the maximal effect (defined as the effect on Day 14) persisted. Subject-reported satisfaction was high, as indicated by the self-assessment on the GAIS and results from the subject satisfaction questionnaire. Treatment- related adverse events were mild and reversible. CONCLUSION: IncobotulinumtoxinA is an effective, well-tolerated treatment for platysmal bands, with a high percentage of the treatment effect maintained at 3 months after treatment. Investigator and subject assessments both indicated high levels of treatment satisfaction.