To illustrate and analyze the clinical feature and treatment of botulism introduced by illegal injection of botulinum neurotoxins (BoNT), in order to provide some evidence for early diagnosis and treatment strategy.

Retrospective analysis of 13 botulism patients was performed in this article. All of the patients were suffered from illegal injection of botulinum neurotoxin products. Support treatments were carried out according to their severe grade, and the courses of disease and the curative effects were observed.

A new category was first identified as " injection induced botulism" to describe such a situation of cosmetic injection out of the hospital with neither the prescribed botulinum toxin product nor a doctor. One in 13 patients graded mild botulism, the other 12 patients graded middle level. The processes of the new botulism had 4 stages: preclinical stage (4 days), progressive stage (9.8 days), apical stage (9.1 days) and restoration stage (5.2 months). The relationships of a positive correlation in injection dose and the length of progressive stage were identified, while a negative correlation with the length of preclinical stage was revealed.

The earlier 2-3 weeks after illegal injection are crucial for intense care because of the acceleration in this period. Absolute rest and active treatments as well as antitoxinum are benefit for the recovery of patients.

Cosmetic; Botulinum toxin; Injection; Botulism