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A Double‐Blind, Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled Health‐Outcomes Survey of the Effect of Botulinum Toxin Type A Injections on Quality of Life and Self‐Esteem

BACKGROUND Although studies show that botulinum toxin type A (BoNTA) can positively influence one's first impression, little research has been conducted to measure the effect that BoNTA has on mental well‐being. OBJECTIVE To determine the effects that BoNTA injections for the treatment of facial wrinkles had on quality of life (QOL) and self‐esteem. METHODS AND MATERIALS One hundred participants received treatment with BoNTA or placebo saline in this double‐blind randomized placebo‐controlled survey. All participants completed a health outcomes survey consisting of Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire—Short Form and Heatherton and Polivy State Self‐Esteem measurements before injection and 2 weeks and 3 months after injection. RESULTS Statistically significant improvements (p<.05) in participants treated with BoNTA were observed in answers to QOL questions regarding physical health, mood, household activities, overall life satisfaction, body satisfaction, self‐consciousness, intellect, self‐worth, appearance, comprehension, weight satisfaction, attractiveness, and sense of well‐being. Increases in overall self‐esteem and appearance‐, social‐, and performance‐related self‐esteem were observed in participants treated with BoNTA. CONCLUSION Our findings showed that BoNTA injections result in improvements in QOL and self‐esteem. In addition, BoNTA‐naïve participants demonstrate greater improvements in QOL and self‐esteem than participants previously exposed to BoNTA. Moreover, BoNTA‐familiar participants demonstrated sustained improvement in QOL and self‐esteem relative to BoNTA‐naïve participants, even when injected with placebo. The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters.