DISCUSSION
Since the face is the location for the majority of NMSCs,1 the appearance of postsurgical scars are a significant concern when Mohs surgeons plan their interventions. This applies not only to aesthetic appearance, but also to potential functional impact. We showed the use of incobotulinumtoxinA 7 days post-surgically with microneedling significantly improved the appearance of facial scars.
Previous studies have demonstrated the ability of postoperative incobotulinumtoxinA monotherapy to reduce scar severity in animal models5 and clinically when used pre-surgically,6 and post-surgically immediately following wound closure.7,8
In some anatomic areas, incobotulinumtoxinA aids wound healing by reducing the tensile force of muscles on wound borders.7,9 The beneficial effects of incobotulinumtoxinA on scar formation also appear to be the result of its ability to inhibit fibroblast proliferation, 10,11 transform growth factor expression10 and decrease collagen deposition.12
Microneedling has previously been shown to improve the appearance of atrophic acne scars13,14 and stabilized burn scars.15-18 Based on VSS and Visual Analogue Scale scores, treated subjects rated mean improvement in burn scar appearance by a mean of ≥80%.16 Examination of treated tissue revealed these improvements are associated with substantial scar tissue modeling. 16,18 Microneedling has also been shown to decrease burn scar erythema by 55%.19
To our knowledge, this is the only published experience with combined treatment of incobotulinumtoxinA and microneedling for treating post-surgical scars, although a weakness of the study is its retrospective nature. Additional studies are needed to determine the relative contribution of each intervention on scar appearance.
CONCLUSION
The use of incobotulinumtoxinA is a promising therapeutic option
for improving the appearance of postsurgical facial scars.
Combining incobotulinumtoxinA with microneedling significantly
improved the appearance of postsurgical facial scars and
increased overall subject satisfaction.
DISCLOSURES
The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The authors acknowledge the editorial assistance of Dr. Carl S.
Hornfeldt, Apothekon, Inc., during the preparation of this manuscript
with funding provided by Merz North America, Raleigh,
NC.
REFERENCES
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2. Van den Broek LJ, Limandjaja GC, Niessen FB, Gibbs S. Human hypertrophic and keloid scar models: principles, limitations and future challenges from a tissue engineering perspective. Exp Dermatol. 2014;23:382-386.
3. Wolfram D, Tzankov A, Pulzi P, Piza-Katzer H. Hyperthophic scars and keloidsa review of their pathophysiology, risk factors and therapeutic management. Dermatol Surg. 2009;35:171-181.
4. Forbes-Duchart L, Marshall S, Strock A, Cooper JE. Determination of interrater reliability in pediatric burn scar assessment using a modified version of the Vancouver Scar Scale. J Burn Care Res. 2007;28:460-467.
5. Gassner HG, Sherris DA, Otley CC. Treatment of facial wounds with botulinum toxin A improves cosmetic outcome in primates. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2000;105:1948-1953.
2. Van den Broek LJ, Limandjaja GC, Niessen FB, Gibbs S. Human hypertrophic and keloid scar models: principles, limitations and future challenges from a tissue engineering perspective. Exp Dermatol. 2014;23:382-386.
3. Wolfram D, Tzankov A, Pulzi P, Piza-Katzer H. Hyperthophic scars and keloidsa review of their pathophysiology, risk factors and therapeutic management. Dermatol Surg. 2009;35:171-181.
4. Forbes-Duchart L, Marshall S, Strock A, Cooper JE. Determination of interrater reliability in pediatric burn scar assessment using a modified version of the Vancouver Scar Scale. J Burn Care Res. 2007;28:460-467.
5. Gassner HG, Sherris DA, Otley CC. Treatment of facial wounds with botulinum toxin A improves cosmetic outcome in primates. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2000;105:1948-1953.
