AMM 103: Prevent Scars with Botulinum Toxin A
June 09, 2024
Dive into the latest research on Botulinum Toxin Type A (BTA) and its potential to prevent hypertrophic and keloid scars after surgery. We break down a recent meta-analysis of 18 studies involving 363 cases, revealing promising findings across various scar evaluation scales. Hear insights from leading experts like Dr. Choi, Dr. Anderson, and Dr. Ogawa, and learn about the possible mechanisms of BTA’s effectiveness and its safety profile. This episode will help you understand the current state of BTA in scar prevention and the direction of future research.
Quick Takes
- A recent meta-analysis examined the use of Botulinum Toxin Type A (BTA) for preventing hypertrophic and keloid scars post-surgery.
- BTA injections were found to lead to lower Vancouver Scar Scale scores, higher Visual Analog Scale indices, and better Stony Brook Scar Evaluation scores, suggesting its efficacy in reducing scar visibility and formation.
- Researchers highlighted BTA’s positive impact on scar prevention, noting its mechanism of action involving temporary muscle paralysis to reduce muscle tension at wound sites. Side effects were reported as mild and resolved without treatment.
Episode Transcript
Today is June 9, 2024.
A recent meta-analysis explored the use of Botulinum Toxin Type A (BTA) for preventing hypertrophic and keloid scars post-surgery. Researchers screened scientific articles from PubMed and selected 18 prospective randomized studies involving 363 cases for evaluation.
The studies found that BTA injections resulted in lower Vancouver Scar Scale scores, higher Visual Analog Scale indices, and better Stony Brook Scar Evaluation scores. This suggests that BTA can reduce the visibility and formation of these problematic scars.
Notably, researchers like Dr. Choi from the Australasian Journal of Dermatology, Dr. Anderson in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal, and NMS protocol expert Dr. Ogawa emphasized BTA’s positive impact on scar prevention, though the exact mechanisms remain unclear.
BTA works by causing temporary muscle paralysis, which may help by reducing muscle tension at the wound site, allowing for better healing. Patients in these studies ranged from 6 to 68 years old, with most scars located on the face and neck.
The main side effects reported were mild, such as itching and moderate pain at the injection site, which resolved without treatment. This indicates BTA is safe for use in preventing hypertrophic and keloid scars.
While promising, further studies are needed to fully understand how BTA achieves its effects and to optimize its use in clinical practice.