The third and latest edition of Anthony Benedetto’s Botulinum Toxins in Clinical Aesthetic Practice is an impressive collaboration of experts in dermatology, neurology, otorhinolaryngology and anatomy, amalgamating years of clinical experience to produce an immensely detailed textbook. Volume 1 describes in detail the pharmacological action of botulinum toxins, historical uses and its adaptation to aesthetic medicine. There is also a chapter on non-aesthetic uses of botulinum toxins, including Raynaud’s Disease and depression.
Whilst Volume 1 focuses on the ‘What’, Volume 2 describes the ‘How’. There is a new functional anatomy chapter by anatomist Sebastian Cotofana, structured and written in an easy-to-read format, followed by Benedetto’s chapters detailing injection techniques, functional anatomy, complications and multiple photographical series of case studies showing patient outcomes. The methods of reconstituting botulinum toxin and dosing instructions are written specifically for onabotulinumtoxinA (BOTOX), and practitioners are alerted to the possibility of suboptimal results when relying on conversion ratios to other formulations and serotypes of botulinum toxins.
Each chapter is written by a different author, and some of the information can be quite repetitive, however the book has been designed as a reference for practice, allowing practitioners to learn useful information even if chapters are read in isolation. Whilst this book has detailed notes on technique, I believe it’s too advanced for a complete novice and would be more suited to practitioners who already have experience in aesthetic use of botulinum toxins, and who can use the information provided to augment their skillset or hone their technique.
Volume 1 and 2 are both hardcover books with good quality colour pictures, making this highly informative book an interesting and captivating read.
