Scars generally refer to abnormalities in the appearance, morphology and histopathology of normal skin caused by different types of trauma or surgeries.
Hypertrophic scar is excessive fibrosis of the skin that is limited to the area of the lesion and recedes over time. Keloid scar is excessive fibrosis of the skin that extends beyond the area of injury and does not recede.
Since botulinum toxin can reduce tension on wound edges by paralyzing surrounding muscles, it has been reported that botulinum toxin can prevent the formation of keloid scars.
Botulinum toxin injections are better than placebos or no treatment at improving the appearance and quality of scars, and are safe and effective.
Patients receiving intralesional botulinum toxin injections have a significantly lower incidence and intensity of pain compared to patients receiving intralesional corticosteroid injections. Furthermore, the efficacy rate is significantly increased in the botulinum toxin group compared to the corticosteroid group.
SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE
* F Bettini Rabello, C Dias Souza, JA Farina Júnior. Update on hypertrophic scar treatment. Clinics (Sao Paulo). 2014;69:565-73.
* M Bi, P Sun, D Li. Intralesional injection of botulinum toxin type A compared with intralesional injection of corticosteroid for the treatment of hypertrophic scar and keloid: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Med Sci Monit. 2019;25:2950-8.
* M El-Domyati, SK Attia, AE El-Sawy. The use of botulinum toxin-A injection for facial wrinkles: A histological and immunohistochemical evaluation. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2015;14:140-4.
* Z Qiao, H Yang, L Jin. The efficacy and safety of botulinum toxin injections in preventing postoperative scars and improving scar quality: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2021;45:2350-62.
