The effect of botulinum toxin type A on unilateral cleft lip scars: a comparison of different injection points

 

 

The effect of botulinum toxin type A on unilateral cleft lip scars: a comparison of different injection points

 

Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A; Botox) injections into the orbicularis oris muscle have been shown to improve the appearance of cleft lip scars.

 

This recently published study (double-blind, randomised, prospective) investigated the influence of differently placed injection points on the appearance of unilateral cleft lip scars. A total of 64 patients (age: 3–6 months) with unilateral cleft lip were recruited. Postoperatively, the patients were randomised into two groups (Fig. 1), with one group receiving BoNT-A (4 injection points) into the orbicularis oris muscle (approx. 0.5 cm from the scar edge) and the other group receiving 6 injection points of BoNT-A bilaterally in the nasolabial fold region (10 Allergan units of Botox per patient). A total of 56 patients completed the study.

 

 

Fig. 1: Injection sites of botulinum toxin A. Left: 6-point group, marked in blue. Right: group with 4 injection points, marked in red.

 

 

Subsequently, the appearance of the scars was evaluated by means of photography and the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS). The scar width and the width of the nostrils were also evaluated bilaterally.

 

 

Results:

There was no significant difference in scar width or nostril width between the two groups at the end of follow-up (Fig. 2). Assessment based on the Vancouver Scar Scale led to the same conclusion.

 

Fig. 2: Presentation over time (baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months): Top: 6-point group. Bottom: 4-point group.

 

 

Source: Lu et al. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg . 2022 Jan 7;S0901-5027(21)00430-6. doi: 10.1016/j.ijom.2021.12.007.