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Volume 28, Issue 151, Septemper 2024

Botulinum toxin type A in scar treatment: Review article

Alicja Baranowska¹, Katarzyna Baranowska², Filip Czyżewski², Kinga Filipek³, Jakub Kawka², Michał Maciek⁴, Sebastian Mrugała⁵, Waldemar Mrugała⁴, Bartosz Skierkowski⁴, Natalia Zalewska⁶

¹General Hospital in Siemianowice Slaskie, Poland
²Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
³Miedzyleski Specialist Hospital in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
⁴Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
⁵Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
⁶Bielanski Hospital in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Botulinum toxin type A (BoNTA) has become widely recognized for its expanding abilities of use in various medical fields. Recently, numerous studies and randomized clinical trials have proved its effectiveness in treating postoperative scars, hypertrophic scars, and keloids. This review analyzes clinical trials and scientific literature to assess the benefits of BoNTA injections in reducing scar visibility, enhancing healing, and improving skin appearance. The research also describes the mechanism of action, optimal treatment time, and the role of botulinum toxin in scar management. Purpose: This review aims to summarize the mechanism of action of botulinum toxin, its current clinical applications in scar management, and potential future directions for its therapeutic use. Results: Botulinum toxin promotes proper tissue healing and influences scar formation through anti-inflammatory effects, muscle relaxation, and collagen synthesis regulation. Conclusions: Botulinum toxin is an effective agent in scar treatment, as supported by randomized scientific studies. It has anti-inflammatory properties, reduces pain and itching, and enhances posthealing skin appearance.

Keywords: Botulinum toxin; scars; BoNTA; keloid; scar treatment