Botulinum Toxin Type A for Preventing Facial Trauma and Hypertrophic Scars: A Meta-Analysis and Trial Sequential...

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Dermatology
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Hypertrophic scars are a common complication following facial trauma and surgery.
• Effective prevention and treatment strategies for hypertrophic scars are crucial for improving patient outcomes.
• Botulinum toxin type A has emerged as a potential therapeutic agent for scar management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of local botulinum toxin type A injections in preventing and treating facial hypertrophic scars.
• To synthesize evidence from randomized controlled trials using meta-analysis and sequential experimental analysis.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature search of multiple databases up to February 2025.
• Inclusion of 12 randomized controlled trials involving 644 patients.
• Meta-analysis and sequential experimental analysis to assess treatment efficacy and safety.

Main Results:

• Botulinum toxin type A significantly improved patient satisfaction, Vancouver Scale scores, and visual analog scores.
• Treatment led to a significant reduction in scar width.
• Lower incidence of adverse events and recurrence rates were observed compared to the control group, with no serious adverse reactions.

Conclusions:

• Local injection of botulinum toxin type A demonstrates therapeutic effects on hypertrophic scars with a favorable safety profile.
• The findings suggest a significant benefit in scar appearance and patient satisfaction.
• Further high-quality research is warranted to validate the accuracy and stability of these therapeutic effects.