Paper examines use of botulinum toxin type A for hypertrophic and keloid scars

A paper published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology has reviewed the evidence demonstrating the role and mechanism of action of botulinum toxin type A in the treatment and prevention of hypertrophic scars and keloids.

Botulinum toxin type A has been shown to include action on wound tension, action on collagen, and action on fibroblasts. 

The authors performed a literature search in PubMed for clinical studies, clinical trials, case reports, controlled trials, randomised controlled trials, and systemic reviews, which yeiled 1,000 articles. 

In their conclusion they noted: “Even though neither the etiology of hypertrophic scars and keloids nor the mechanism of Botox in their treatment is clearly understood, the positive clinical effects of Botox in the treatment and prevention of hypertrophic scars and keloids is undeniable. Although it has shown positive results as one of the methods for the prevention and treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids, the mechanism of action should be further investigated.”