The findings of a groundbreaking Botox study were presented early this week at a meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology in San Diego. Unlike previous studies, this new analysis focused on patient self-perception to measure the success of Botox treatments.

“Patient satisfaction is a key measure of success when using Botox cosmetic to treat facial lines, but clinical trials usually rely on physician assessments to measure treatment results,” said Florida aesthetic surgeon Dr. Steven Fagien.

The SPA Scale & Patient Perceptions

Approximately 250 patients – some treated with Botox and others with placebo –

Were analyzed using the Self-Perception of Age (SPA) scale, which measures a patient's own perception of age-related appearance.

The patients were asked pre-treatment and four weeks post-treatment to indicate whether they look their current age, younger, or older.

At four weeks post-treatment, nearly 63 percent of those patients who received Botox for multiple upper facial lines reported looking on average five to six years younger than their current age compared with only 23 percent of those who received a placebo.

The outcome of the study – namely that patients perceived themselves as looking younger – is significant because it represents the goal patients seeking aesthetic treatments are seeking to achieve.

Considering Botox? Please contact us to learn more or to schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon near you.