The effect of botulinum toxin A injection immediately after operation on frontal traumatic scars

Objective To investigate the clinical effect of botulinum toxin type A injection in the prevention and treatment of frontal traumatic scars immediately after operation. Methods From January 2016 to January 2018, among the 152 patients with frontal trauma admitted to the Department of Plastic Surgery, Daping Hospital, Army Military Medical University, patients with wounds almost perpendicular to the Langer line were selected. Immediately after debridement and suture, botulinum toxin type A was injected with a concentration of 2 U botulinum toxin per 0.10 ml of solution, 0.05 to 0.10 ml (1 to 2 U) per 1 cm was injected into the frontal muscle according to frontal muscle strength.With reference to the observer scar assessment scale and Vancouver scar scale, the color, width, texture, thickness, pain, and itching of the postoperative scar of the frontal wound were evaluated at follow-up. Results A total of 44 patients were included, 22 males and 22 females, aged (31.5 ± 8.4) years old, with a wound length of 1-12 cm(average, 3.5 cm) and a Botox injection volume around wounds of 0.10-0.90 ml (2-18 U) . The patients were followed up for 6 to 24 months. One patient had mild to moderate ptosis, which completely disappeared within one month. Within 6 weeks after operation, the scars in 44 patients were pink and hard. 3-6 months later, the scars gradually became soft, narrow and flat with similiar skin color, no pain and itching left in 42 patients. The satisfaction rate was 95.5% (42/44). Two patients were dissatisfied because of scar pigmentation and width. Conclusions Immediate injection of botulinum toxin type A after debridement and suture of the frontal trauma wound can effectively prevent and improve scar appearance with a high rate of satisfaction. Key words: Botulinum toxins, type A; Cicatrix; Suture techniques; Injury, forehead