Microbotox for the lower face and neck was generally found comparable to the Nefertiti Lift, according to a comparison study in Beirut, Lebanon, of the two techniques published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
The authors define the Microbotox technique as, “the injection of microdroplets of botulinum toxin into the dermis to improve lower face and neck aging components.” The Nefertiti Lift is the use of Botox injections to correct platysmal bands and redefine the jawline.
As a crossover study, 30 female patients first had the Nefertiti Lift; eight months later 25 of those patients had Microbotox to the lower face and neck. Patients received a mean dose of 154 units for the Microbotox technique, had a mean age of 55.9 years and nine were smokers (36%).
Researchers found that Mircobotox resulted in statistically significant improvements of platysmal bands (contraction), jowls and neck volume. While improvement was noted in marionette lines and the platysmal bands at rest, results were not significant. There was no change in the oral commissures scores.
By comparison the Nefertiti Lift resulted in enhanced jowls, neck volume, marionette lines and oral commissures. But only the platysmal bands at rest and with contraction showed a statistical significant improvement.
Comparing region-specific scores of the two techniques, Microbotox improved the jowls and the neck volume more than the Nefertiti procedure. Conversely, the platysmal bands at rest and with contraction improved more with the Nefertiti Lift.
Based on pre- and post-photographs and the subjects Global Aesthetic Improvement Score (SGAIS), all 25 patients rated themselves as improved and satisfied by both techniques. A total of 88% of patients were willing to repeat Microbotox versus 100% for the Nefertiti procedure. These percentages also held for recommending each technique to a friend or family member.
Three patients undergoing Microbotox experienced injection-point ecchymosis compared with six patients for the Nefertiti technique. In all cases, the adverse event lasted only a few days.
No patient reported any dysphagia or muscle weakness with Microbotox. One patient reported mild dysphagia that lasted two weeks with the Nefertiti Lift.
As for the preferred modality for neck rejuvenation, 18 patients chose Micobotox, five selected the Nefertiti Lift and two patients indicated no preference.
“The Microbotox technique is a useful, simple and safe procedure for the lower face and neck rejuvenation,” write the authors from Lebanon.
