The Use of Botox® in Interventional Radiology

Botox® (Botulinum toxin A) has wide public recognition as a cosmetic agent. It has also established a firm foothold within the medical community for the treatment of a wide range of myospastic disorders. With imaging guidance, interventional radiologists can deliver this medication to a variety of otherwise difficult to reach targets with high accuracy and with minimal complications. We illustrate the use of Botox® in interventional radiology by describing our fluoroscopic technique for the treatment of piriformis syndrome. The key to successful Botox® therapy of myospastic disorders is accurate clinical diagnosis. Excellent communication and rapport with the referring clinicians is therefore essential to maximize the likelihood of a successful outcome. The range of services offered by interventional radiologists continues to evolve. With the recent growth of endovenous treatment for varicose veins, some have found it necessary to provide sclerotherapy for spider veins. As patients become accustomed to receiving these cosmetic treatments from interventionalists, they may come to us for advice about other esthetic therapy. The idea of some interventional radiologists adding cosmetic medicine to their practice should, therefore, not seem unreasonable. We illustrate the use of Botox® for facial rejuvenation by describing our technique for the treatment of glabelar (frown) lines. Before entering into this type of practice, it is critical to obtain adequate and appropriate training for each cosmetic intervention. If possible, the interventionalist should seek to establish a mentor relationship with someone highly experienced in cosmetic medicine.