Botulinum toxin to improve facial wound healing: A prospective, blinded, placebo-controlled study.
OBJECTIVE
To test whether botulinum toxin-induced immobillzation of facial lacerations enhances wound healing and results in less noticeable scars.


METHODS
In this blinded, prospective, randomized clinical trial, patients were randomized from February 1, 2002, until January 1, 2004, to botullnum toxin vs placebo injection into the musculature adjacent to the wound within 24 hours after wound closure. Blinded assessment of standardized photographs by experienced facial plastic surgeons using a 10-cm visual analog scale served as the main outcome measure.


RESULTS
Thirty-one patients presenting with traumatic forehead lacerations or undergoing elective excisions of forehead masses were included in the study. The overall median visual analog scale score for the botulinum toxin-treated group was 8.9 compared with 7.2 for the placebo group (P=.003), indicating enhanced healing and Improved cosmesis of the experimentally immobilized scars.


CONCLUSIONS
Botullnum toxin-induced Immobilization of forehead wounds enhances healing and is suggested for use in selected patients to improve the eventual appearance of the scar.
Gassner
Holger G
HG
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. gassner.holger@gmx.net
Brissett
Anthony E
AE
Otley
Clark C
CC
Boahene
Derek K
DK
Boggust
Andy J
AJ
Weaver
Amy L
AL
Sherris
David A
DA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005151:Facial Injuries / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005546:Forehead / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009465:Neuromuscular Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013536:Suture Techniques; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects*
D009465:Neuromuscular Agents; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A