The Efficacy and Safety of Early Postoperative Botulinum Toxin A Injection for Facial Scars

Abstract

Background

Scars widen when the underlying musculature pulls apart suture lines, and scars oriented against relaxed skin tension lines are especially susceptible to these distraction forces. Because botulinum toxin A (BTA) induces complete muscle paralysis, the purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effects of BTA using both observer-dependent qualitative assessments and quantitative measurements to verify its beneficial effects on facial scarring.

Methods

Patients with vertical forehead lacerations, treated by primary closure, were randomly assigned to two groups: one (n = 15) received BTA injections within 5 days of primary closure and the other (n = 15) received no further treatment. Vancouver scar scale (VSS) scores and wound width were determined at the 1-month and 6-month follow-up visits. Quantitative color differences between the scar and surrounding normal skin, using the Commission International d'Eclairage L*a*b* color coordinates, were measured and compared by analyzing photographs.

Result

Improved VSS scores, less increase in wound width, and less scar discoloration were noted among patients treated with BTA injections compared with the control group. These differences were observed at the 6-month visit, but not at the 1-month visit.

Conclusion

BTA injection improves scar quality when injected during the early postoperative days.

Level of Evidence I

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