Exploring Nonresponse to Botulinum Toxin in Aesthetics: Narrative Review of Key Trigger Factors and Effective Management Strategies.

Background: Nonresponse to botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) has been reported in both medical and aesthetic applications. Secondary nonresponse (SNR) occurs when BoNT-A is initially effective before failure commences at a later point. Most reported cases involve SNR in aesthetics. Several aspects of this complication remain elusive or controversial.

Objective: We aimed to address unanswered questions regarding the prevalence and etiology of SNR. Additionally, we investigated the immunogenicity of BoNT-A formulations, mainly focusing on the development of neutralizing antibodies that hinder the toxin's pharmacologic effects. Furthermore, we sought to examine the management strategies for SNR.

Methods: The PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched from inception for articles on nonresponse to BoNT-A therapy. Articles were evaluated based on their contribution to the field. Expert opinions and panel recommendations regarding management and data gaps were also included in the review.

Results: There are limited data on SNR prevalence in aesthetic applications compared to therapeutic uses. Trigger factors of SNR include improper handling of BoNT-A; incorrect injection practices; and impurities present in the formulation, such as clostridial complexing proteins that may increase immunogenicity. Other contributing factors include infection; patient characteristics; and treatment parameters that encompass an increased frequency of BoNT-A injections (ie, <3 months apart), higher cumulative dosages, elevated treatment dosages, and booster injections (retreatment within 3 weeks of the initial injection). Neutralizing antibodies developed with first-generation formulations, such as onabotulinumtoxinA and abobotulinumtoxinA that contain clostridial proteins, but not with second-generation BoNT-As, such as incobotulinumtoxinA and daxibotulinumtoxinA, which lack these proteins. Among patients who developed SNR after using first-generation BoNT-A for aesthetic purposes, switching to incobotulinumtoxinA therapy did not result in the development of immune responses. Switching to a protein-free BoNT-A formulation such as incobotulinumtoxinA upon development of SNR has been advocated. To effectively manage SNR, it is crucial to minimize the identified trigger factors.

Conclusions: Nonresponse to BoNT-A is gaining importance in aesthetic treatments. Considering the potential for immunogenicity is essential when selecting a BoNT-A formulation. Preventing SNR is crucial, given the lack of solid data on effective treatments.