Botulinum toxin for cosmetic use: What Published Research Says

This page lists publications found on PubMed, the US National Library of Medicine database. We did not write or review these studies and the list is not a verdict on any treatment. Findings differ by study design, patient group and device or product. Nothing here is medical advice or a promise of results.
If you are comparing providers or thinking about botulinum toxin for cosmetic use, published research is a good place to start the conversation. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses combine many studies and are listed first, followed by randomized trials and other reviews. Open each record to read the authors' own summary and any stated limitations.
Recent peer-reviewed publications
- Cosmetic Botulinum Toxin A Injections to the Upper Face: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Studies. (J Cosmet Dermatol, 2026; Systematic Review): Read the article
- A Systematic Review on the Effectiveness and Safety of Combining Biostimulators with Botulinum Toxin, Dermal Fillers, and Energy-Based Devices. (Aesthetic Plast Surg, 2025; Systematic Review): Read the article
- [Translated article] Botulinum Toxin for Aesthetic Use in Facial and Cervical Regions: A Review of the Techniques Currently Used in Dermatology. (Actas Dermosifiliogr, 2025; Systematic Review): Read the article
- The lip flip: a systematic review of botulinum toxin lip augmentation. (Arch Dermatol Res, 2025; Systematic Review): Read the article
- Complications of Cosmetic Botulinum Toxin A Injections to the Upper Face: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. (Aesthet Surg J, 2022; Systematic Review): Read the article
- Botulinum toxin type A for facial wrinkles. (Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2021; Meta-Analysis): Read the article
- Efficacy of botulinum toxin in the treatment of bruxism: Systematic review. (Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal, 2019; Systematic Review): Read the article
- Efficacy of Botulinum Toxin A for the Management of Melasma: A Split-Face, Randomized Control Study. (J Cosmet Dermatol, 2025; Randomized Controlled Trial): Read the article
Questions to bring to a licensed provider
- What does the research say about people like me, and what are its limits?
- Which risks and side effects are described, and how are they managed here?
- Who performs the treatment and under whose supervision?
- What happens if I am not happy with the outcome?
Browse the Blog and the service guides for plain-language explainers, and use MedSpa Listings to find clinics near you. Listing in the directory is not an endorsement.
Medical Disclaimer
The information on MedSpa Listings is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It does not create a provider-patient relationship. Always consult with a board-certified physician or qualified healthcare provider before undergoing any medical spa treatment. Individual results may vary. MedSpa Listings does not endorse any specific provider, treatment, or product.
Medspa Listings Team
Fact-CheckedHealth & Wellness Editorial Team
Fact-Checked Content
The Medspa Listings editorial team researches and fact-checks every article using peer-reviewed studies, FDA resources, and guidance from professional associations like the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Our content is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice.
Editorial & Medical Content Note
Articles on MedSpa Listings are intended for educational purposes and summarize treatment concepts, pricing ranges, and provider-selection considerations. Content is reviewed by the editorial team and updated over time as new information becomes available.
This information is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Patients should consult qualified licensed providers before beginning any aesthetic or medical treatment plan.
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