Can Botox be applied as a cream? Yes, if the company Revance Therapeutics has its way. They are currently testing a cream form of botulinum toxin to the crow's feet. I've heard that initial results are promising, although the product appears to be at least 2 years away from potential FDA approval. There are a lot of questions surrounding this product, such as: Should patients be allowed to take it home? What other applications are there? How long will it last?
Here are my thoughts:
1. I would be concerned with patients taking it home and mistakenly applying the cream to potentially harmful areas. What would happen if a patient applied it with his finger to his crow's feet and then accidentally rubbed his eyelid? Would he get a droopy eyelid? Maybe. What if someone ingested it?
2. I think a huge application of this topical botulinum toxin is in sweat reduction. Could you imagine an antiperspirant stick with this product that lasts several months with each application and leaves no residue? I'd buy it!
3. It's currently being tested on the crow's feet, which has thin skin. Would it work in the forehead where the skin is thicker?
This product could definitely be a 'game changer' if and when it comes out. There are a lot of places I'd consider applying it 'off-label' for myself...
Thanks for reading.
Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon
Anthony Youn, M.D.
