摘要

Objectives: The aim of this lecture is to reveal the role of botulinum toxin injection along surgical wounds in diminishing the appearance of facial and neck scars, that can be a major devastating disfigurement for individuals leading to high levels of psycological distress causing self consciousness and lack of self confidence. Introduction: Botulinum toxin injections are one of most common non- surgical cosmetics procedures worldwide. Despite its popular use to minimise the appearance of dynamic rhytides, it has also been mentioned in recent years as an option for treating scars and minimising thier appearance. Materials / method: The efficacy and safety of injecting botulinum toxin in the treatment of postoperative facial and neck scars compared to control groups either injected with 0.9 % normal saline or recieving no injections after wound closure. Results: Results were assessed using mainly subjective scar assessment scales as vancouver scar scales (VSS), Visual analogue scale ( VAS), Patient and observer scar assessment scale ( POSAS), Stony Brook Scar Evalution scale (SBSES). Most of scars showed significant improvement when injected with botulinum toxin, especially those injected during wound closure not only because it decreases the tensile force exacerbated on wound by the underlying muscle, but also by diminishing cellular activities responsible for formation of hypertrophic scars. Side effects and complications were almost not reported. Conclusion: Injection of botulinum toxin along surgical wounds especially during wound closure, proved to be significantly effective and safe in minimising the appearance of facial and neck scars which will have a direct positive impact on patients degree of self confidence and style of live.