Botulinum toxin type A (BTXA) is effective for preventing and treating postoperative cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) scar hypertrophy, according to a review published online March 29 in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology .

Qiang Ji, M.D., from West China Hospital at Sichuan University in Chengdu, and colleagues conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the efficacy of BTXA for preventing and treating postoperative CL/P scars. Data were included from four randomized controlled trials, with 161 cases: 83 scars were treated with BTXA and 78 were treated with placebo.

The researchers found that BTXA showed significant differences in preventing and treating postoperative CL/P scars in terms of scar width and the Visual Analog Scale (mean difference, –0.20 and 1.30, respectively); there were no significant between-group differences noted on the Vancouver Scar Scale.

"The meta-analysis supports the use of BTXA for aesthetically pleasing scars following CL/P repair, as evidenced by our findings from four clinical trials," the authors write. "To provide more firm data, more high-quality randomized controlled trials for the treatment of CL/P scars with BTXA should be compared thoroughly."

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)