Botox Injection Reduces Post-Surgical Scarring

A new study has found that injection of botulinum toxin (botox) within 24 hours of wound closure in the forehead results in less long-term scarring.

A study by researchers from the University of Buffalo (NY, USA) examined whether botox-induced immobilization of facial lacerations enhances wound healing and results in less-noticeable scars. The study included 31 patients who suffered wounds to the forehead or had surgery to remove skin cancers from the forehead. The patients received either an injection of botox or saline within 24 hours after wound closure. Photographs were taken at the time the patients received the injections and again six months later, and were reviewed by two facial plastic surgeons who were not involved in the study.

The reviewers used a 10-cm visual analog scale, rating the patients' wound healing on a scale of zero to 10, with 10 representing the best result. The two surgeons' scores were averaged to reach a final score for each patient. The median scores for wounds injected with botox were 8.9, compared to 7.1 for wounds injected with saline. The study was published in the August 2006 issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings.

"This is the first medication found to minimize scarring,” said senior author Dr. David Sherris, professor and chair of the department of otolaryngology. "The result is of substantial interest in the field of scar treatment. When a wound occurs, especially on the face, people are always worried about the scar. We can now try to improve scars with these injections.”

Botox is the toxic compound produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It is a protease that breaks down one of the fusion proteins--docking proteins that anchor the vesicle to the membrane--allowing neurons to release acetylcholine at a neuromuscular junction. By inhibiting acetylcholine release, the toxin interferes with nerve impulses and causes paralysis of muscles. A popular use for botox is injection into facial muscles to temporarily relax those muscles to lessen or eliminate wrinkles.



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