EFFECT OF BOTULINUM TOXIN ON SURGICAL WOUND HEALING AND SCAR FORMATION (AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY)

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The process of wound healing is complicated. Despite research, hypertrophic scars still occur and can pose functional and aesthetic issues. Improvement for hypertrophic scars has been attained using a variety of treatment modalities. The strain from the underlying muscles working on the wound edge throughout the healing process is a critical factor in shaping the scar's final appearance. Since botulinum toxin type A (BTA) causes total muscle paralysis, it was suggested as a possible treatment. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of BTA injection on the final appearance of the surgical scar. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six mature male New Zealand rabbits weighing 3.5–4 kg were studied experimentally (one year of age). They were divided into two groups: One received BTA injections into the cheek muscles surrounding a Y-shaped surgical incision. The other group received no further treatment after the incision. A follow-up was performed after 2, 4, and 6 weeks for the assessment of the scar parameters (wound width and Vancouver scar scale (VSS), along with clinical photographs). After each period, the sacrifice group of rabbits was done. Samples were prepared for histological and histomorphometric analysis by being dissected. RESULTS: When compared to the control group, the BTA-treated group showed an improvement in the appearance of scars, VSS and a reduced increase in wound width. Histological and histomorphometric results indicate that the BTA group had a better layout and less collagen deposition than the control group. CONCLUSIONS: BTA injection effectively reduced collagen fibril production and improved hypertrophic scar appearance.