Prospective Keratograph 5 M Assessment Following Intradermal Botulinum Toxin Type A for Seborrhea and Enlarged Facial Pores

BACKGROUNDSeborrhea and enlarged facial pores are common cosmetic concerns associated with increased sebum production and impaired skin quality. Conventional treatments often have variable efficacy and may cause adverse effects. Intradermal botulinum toxin type A has emerged as a minimally invasive alternative.

AIMSTo explore the clinical outcomes associated with intradermal botulinum toxin type A treatment for seborrhea and enlarged facial pores using objective and patient-reported measures.

METHODSA prospective study involving 30 patients with oily skin and enlarged facial pores was conducted. All participants received intradermal botulinum toxin type A injections into both cheeks. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and 6 weeks post-treatment. Sebum production was measured using oil-absorbing sheets (mm2), and pore size was measured using an Oculus Keratograph 5 M. Patient-reported outcomes were evaluated with the FACE-Q, and skin quality was evaluated with the SASS-Q. Statistical analysis was performed using paired tests with significance set at p < 0.05.

RESULTSSebum production significantly decreased on both sides of the face (right: p = 0.0016; left: p = 0.0011). The mean values decreased from 291.9 to 191.6 mm2 (right) and from 290.5 to 187.1 mm2 (left). Pore size also showed a reduction (p < 0.0001), decreasing from 531.3 to 235.3 μm (right) and from 554 to 241.3 μm (left). The FACE-Q scores improved from 50.87 to 70.07, whereas the SASS-Q scores decreased from 2.1 to 1.47 (both p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONSImprovements in sebum production, facial pore size, and patient-reported outcomes were observed following intradermal botulinum toxin type A treatment.

TRAIL REGISTRATIONClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT07387536

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