In her statement, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hülya Cenk from PAU Hospitals, Department of Dermatology and Venereal Diseases, shared the following information:
“Botulinum toxin is a substance produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum that targets the way muscles function. Today, there is increasing evidence that it can be used not only for aesthetic purposes but also in the treatment of certain skin diseases. ‘Off-label use’ refers to the use of a drug for indications other than those approved—meaning for a different disease, dosage, method of administration, or age group—based on scientific data. The conditions approved by the FDA for botulinum toxin are wrinkles (forehead, glabellar, and crow’s feet lines) and excessive underarm sweating. Apart from these, dermatologists have also been using the toxin for various skin problems based on clinical experience and scientific studies.

According to recent research, botulinum toxin shows promise in the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa, rosacea, male/female pattern hair loss, psoriasis, Hailey-Hailey disease (HHD), Darier disease (DD), bromhidrosis (malodorous sweating), dyshidrotic eczema, chronic anal fissures, Raynaud’s phenomenon, keloids and hypertrophic scars (raised healing of the skin after surgery or trauma), facial, calf, and shoulder contouring, and postherpetic neuralgia (pain following shingles). In the field of aesthetics, it has been found useful for eyebrow lifting and shaping, vertical and horizontal frown lines, crow’s feet, nasal tip drooping, gummy smile, chin dimpling, vertical lip lines, the reduction of prominent neck bands, defining the jawline (Nefertiti lift, jawline contouring), lifting downturned lip corners, minimizing facial pores, reducing facial and scalp oiliness and sweating, correcting congenital or acquired facial asymmetries, and eliminating nasal ‘bunny lines.’”

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hülya Cenk: “The Key to Safe Botulinum Toxin Applications Lies in Expert Hands.”

Emphasizing that botulinum toxin is considered safe, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hülya Cenk noted that the most common side effects include pain, bruising, redness at the injection site, and temporary muscle weakness, while more serious side effects are very rare. However, incorrect application can lead to muscle asymmetry or unintended widespread paralysis, which is why it must always be administered by a qualified dermatologist.

She continued: “It is critically important that the physician performing the procedure has sufficient knowledge of facial anatomy and proper dosage to minimize these risks. The effects of botulinum toxin generally begin within 3–7 days after injection and last for 3–6 months. The treatment plan is determined according to the type and severity of the disease. With repeated applications, the duration of effectiveness can extend up to 7–9 months in total. In most cases, patients can immediately return to their daily activities after the procedure. Botulinum toxin is increasingly being recognized in dermatology not only for aesthetic purposes but also as a therapeutic option.”