Current Research of Botulinum Toxin Type A in Prevention and Treatment on Pathological Scars

BACKGROUND: Dermatologists have been looking for ways to improve wound healing and postoperative scar appearance. The safety and efficacy of botulinum toxin type A (BTXA) in the prevention and treatment on pathological scars have become the current research hotspot since it was approved by the US FDA in medical cosmetology in 2002. PURPOSE: This article aims to provide an overview of the clinical research, limitations, and application prospects of BTXA in the prevention and treatment of traumatic or postoperative pathological scars, which can provide a reference and better understanding of relevant studies. METHODS: The current research progress was summarized and discussed, with new problems and research ideas being proposed ranging from the molecular mechanism of BTXA in preventing and treating pathological scars to its clinical application via investigation and reference research. RESULTS: BTXA is effective in relieving itching and pain associated with pathological scars, limiting scar hyperplasia along with preventing scar contracture, but the specific mechanism is still not clear. CONCLUSION: Most of the clinicians have confirmed the clinical effectiveness of BTXA in the prevention and treatment of pathological scars, yet its mode of action and combination therapy need more research.