If you have an upcoming facial surgery, the prospect of the procedure itself might be intimidating enough. On top of that, you might be concerned about scarring! Your surgeon will no doubt coach you on wound care so you can help the incision site heal as smoothly as possible. But is there more you could do? Research indicates that BOTOX® might help!
BOTOX® and Facial Scarring
A study published in 2018 looked at 16 participants who underwent reconstructive facial surgery, mostly with the goal of addressing disfiguring birthmarks. After their procedures, they received BOTOX injections in half of their scars, while the other half of the scars received a placebo injection. The portions that received BOTOX scored nearly a full point better on the scale that doctors use to judge the appearance of scars. Indeed, the treated portions were both less bumpy and narrower than those that received placebo injections.
Why Does BOTOX® Reduce Scarring?
BOTOX is well-known for its ability to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It does so by limiting the movements of muscles beneath the skin. As a result, the skin appears smoother.
This same mechanism — BOTOX’s ability to limit muscle movements — is also why it is effective for reducing scars. As tissues heal after surgery, movements can pull on the skin and interfere with the healing process. Because BOTOX does not allow for a full range of motion, the skin is able to recover more efficiently.
Caveats and Considerations
Of course, the study showing that BOTOX can reduce scarring has some important limitations to keep in mind:
- The study had a small sample size, so although the results were promising, they were not representative of a large or varied group.
- BOTOX works best for scars in areas of the face that move a lot. For example, it works more effectively on the forehead than the eyelids.
- BOTOX cannot reduce the appearance of older scars. It should be administered soon after surgery in order to have any positive effects.
Could BOTOX® Help You?
If you have an upcoming surgery or have a fresh facial wound that might cause scarring, BOTOX is certainly worth exploring as a means to support your skin’s healing process. Talk to your doctor and a qualified BOTOX provider to learn more about the treatment and what you can expect from it.
Meet the Practice
At Spring Creek Dentistry, our team is proud to provide top-quality care for the Spring community. BOTOX injections are among the many services we provide. If you would like to learn more about it or request a consultation, we would be happy to answer your questions! Contact our office at 281-407-8333.