Comparative study between the efficacy of botulinum toxin type A versus carboxytherapy in the treatment of postacne scars

Background Acne scarring remains a challenge to treat. Both botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) and carboxytherapy (CXT) are considered novel treatment modalities for acne scars. Aim This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of BTX-A versus CXT in the treatment of postacne scars. Patients and methods Forty patients aged 18–50 years, with mild to severe postacne scars, were enrolled in this study and were divided randomly and equally into two groups: group A included 20 patients who underwent three sessions of an intralesional injection into postacne scars by BTX-A at a 3-week interval and group B included 20 patients who underwent three sessions of CXT on postacne scars at a 3-week interval. Evaluation of the clinical response to treatment was performed every 3 weeks and 1 month after the last session by photos and the global scarring grading system and patient satisfaction was assessed. Results There was a significant improvement in the degree of scar severity before and after treatment in both groups. There was no significant difference between improvements in both groups, indicating that both modalities of treatment yielded similar net results. Conclusion Both BTX-A and CXT can be effective and safe therapeutic options for the treatment of postacne scars with no significant side effects.