Use of intraoperative botulinum toxin in facial reconstruction.
BACKGROUND
Botulinum toxin is a potent neuromodulator that temporarily relaxes muscles and can improve wound healing.


OBJECTIVE
This retrospective analysis assessed the use of intraoperative botulinum toxin type A or B in patients undergoing surgical reconstruction after Mohs micrographic surgery for treatment of skin cancer. The primary effect of intradermal botulinum toxin on wound healing was also studied.


METHODS
Charts of patients who received intraoperative botulinum toxin type A (n=9) or B (n=9) in conjunction with reconstructive surgery after Mohs micrographic surgery were reviewed. Three volunteers also underwent dermal injections of botulinum toxin type A followed by erbium laser resurfacing.


RESULTS
Outcomes did not differ in patients treated with botulinum toxin type A and type B. Patients had excellent apposition of wound edges and smooth skin overlying soft tissue; no significant complications were noted. Healing of erbium laser ablation did not differ between botulinum toxin type A-treated skin and control skin.


CONCLUSIONS
Administration of botulinum toxin type A or B after reconstruction after Mohs micrographic surgery aided wound healing; botulinum toxin type A and botulinum toxin type B were equally effective. Intradermal botulinum toxin type A demonstrated no primary effect on healing of erbium laser-resurfaced skin.
Flynn
Timothy Corcoran
TC
Cary Skin Center, Cary, NC 27519, USA. flynn@caryskincenter.com
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001905:Botulinum Toxins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002278:Carcinoma in Situ / Q000601:surgery; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000601:surgery; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000601:surgery; D005153:Facial Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007430:Intraoperative Care; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015580:Mohs Surgery; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*
C096323:rimabotulinumtoxinB; D001905:Botulinum Toxins; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A