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Published on: March 1, 2015
Use of botulinum toxin type A to prevent widening of facial scars
1Department of Plastic Surgery, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt. dr_adel_wilson@yahoo.com
Background:
Wounds of the face, especially those lying perpendicular to the lines of Langer, are known to heal poorly with conspicuous scarring. Different methods have been tried to tackle this problem, including corticosteroid injections, irradiation, ultrasound, silicone applications, and many others. However, as expected, their effects were far from satisfactory, because they do nothing to alleviate the underlying pathologic process, which is the distracting effect of muscle pull on immature collagen.
Methods:
In 40 patients with ugly scars of the face, botulinum toxin was used to induce temporary paralysis of the muscles during revision surgery, thus minimizing tension on healing wound edges until the collagen could mature.
Results:
Using both objective and subjective assessment scales, 90 percent of patients ended up with an improved outcome. This new technique has been proven effective in primates and in this study was shown to be as effective in humans, yielding results superior to those of any other treatment modality.
Conclusion:
In view of the results of this study, it is considered worthwhile to offer patients with ugly scars of the face botulinum toxin injections simultaneous with revision surgery.
Insights
Botulinum toxin injections can improve facial scar healing by temporarily paralyzing muscles, reducing tension on wounds. This method offers superior results compared to other treatments for conspicuous facial scarring.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Dermatology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Facial wounds perpendicular to Langer's lines often result in poor healing and noticeable scarring.
- Previous treatments like corticosteroids and ultrasound have shown limited efficacy.
- Muscle tension on healing wounds impedes collagen maturation, leading to undesirable scar formation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of botulinum toxin in improving the outcomes of facial scar revision surgery.
- To assess the impact of muscle paralysis on wound healing tension and scar quality.
Main Methods:
- The study involved 40 patients with significant facial scarring.
- Botulinum toxin was administered to induce temporary muscle paralysis during scar revision surgery.
- This approach aimed to reduce tension on wound edges during the critical collagen maturation phase.
Main Results:
- Objective and subjective assessments revealed a 90% improvement in scar outcomes.
- The technique demonstrated effectiveness in both primate models and human subjects.
- Results surpassed those achieved with existing treatment modalities for facial scarring.
Conclusions:
- Simultaneous administration of botulinum toxin injections with facial scar revision surgery is a promising therapeutic option.
- This approach effectively mitigates the negative effects of muscle pull on healing wounds.
- The study supports offering botulinum toxin as a viable treatment for patients with unsightly facial scars.
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