Study might lead to surprising new use for Botox
Most people use Botox to remove lines and wrinkles on their skin. Others use it to reduce perspiration or even to ease migraines. But there’s a new use that’s getting attention.
A recent study by researchers in Korea showed that it might even prevent scarring from surgical procedures.
The found that treating repaired wounds with botulinum during the early post-operative period improved the ultimate appearance of the scar.
We asked an EVMS facial-plastics expert how this was possible.
“Botulinum works by reducing muscle movements in the area that it is injected,” says Eric Dobratz, MD, Director of Facial Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery in EVMS Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery and Associate Professor of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. “The researchers theorize that minimizing muscle pull on the wound helps to keep the resulting scar from widening.”
Other studies have shown reduced inflammation in wounds treated with botulinum.
“This study shows promising findings,” Dr. Dobratz says. “However, the scars that were being compared between treatment and non-treatment groups may not have been equal, and the time of follow-up at six months was relatively short — scars generally take 12 to 18 months to fully mature. Nevertheless, the results are certainly interesting and will likely result in further research in this area.”
Learn more about scar prevention and revision from Dr. Dobratz at the EVMS Aesthetic Center.