LetibotulinumtoxinA for Rosacea: A Pilot Study

Rosacea-associated erythema and flushing often remain inadequately controlled by standard therapies. Intradermal botulinum toxin A has emerged as a potential treatment targeting the neurovascular component of rosacea. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the safety and preliminary efficacy of intradermal letibotulinumtoxinA for persistent erythema and flushing in rosacea. Eleven patients with refractory erythematotelangiectatic rosacea received a single session of intradermal letibotulinumtoxinA (20 U total dose). Outcomes at 2 weeks included clinician- and patient-rated erythema severity, patient-reported flushing, skin hydration, sebum, elasticity, and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Safety assessments included adverse events and pain. Two weeks post-treatment, 73% of patients showed improvement in Clinician's Erythema Assessment score and 100% reported reduced flushing. Median hydration and elasticity increased, while the level of sebum decreased. Median DLQI improved from 9 to 2. No serious adverse effects occurred; mild, transient cheek heaviness and dryness were noted in three cases. Intradermal letibotulinumtoxinA was well tolerated, with few reported side effects/complications. The treatment demonstrated preliminary efficacy in reducing rosacea erythema and flushing, and improving skin physiology and quality of life; however, these require confirmation in a larger, controlled study.