eP420 Techniques, Assessments, and Outcomes of Botulinum Toxin in Leg Contouring: A Systematic Review

Introduction Botulinum toxin has emerged as a minimally invasive approach for leg contouring, offering a non-surgical alternative to reshape the lower extremities. Despite its growing popularity, significant variation exists in the current price. This systematic review aims to summarise current techniques, highlight controversies in clinical practice, and evaluate outcomes associated with botulinum toxin for leg contouring. Methods A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, screening studies from inception to October 25th, 2024, using Embase and MEDLINE databases. Studies focusing on botulinum toxin application for leg contouring were included. Data on anatomical injection sites, injection techniques, botulinum toxin formulations, dosing strategies, classification systems, and reported outcomes were extracted and synthesised. Results Out of 383 studies screened, 12 met the inclusion criteria. Significant variation was observed in anatomical injection sites and injection techniques across studies. Different formulations of botulinum toxin were employed, with inconsistencies in dosage regimens and a lack of standardised protocols. A dose-dependent relationship remains controversial. Furthermore, no consensus exists regarding a classification system for assessing hypertrophy gastrocnemius. Rehabilitation strategies post-injection remain poorly explored. Conclusion This review highlights the heterogeneity in techniques and outcome assessments in botulinum toxin use for leg contouring. The lack of standardised protocols, classification systems, and rehabilitation strategies underscores the need for future research to establish evidence-based guidelines, optimise dosing strategies, and improve comparability across studies.