The Safety and efficacy of botulinum toxin type A injection for postoperative scar prevention: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Active prevention and treatment of scars are particularly important. Several studies have used botulinum toxin type A(BTXA) to prevent postoperative scarring. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of BTXA in preventing and treating postoperative scars. Methods A computer-based search was conducted for the five databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, CNKI, and Wanfang up to May 22, 2019, to collect the relevant literatures on BTXA treatment of postoperative hypertrophic scars. A meta-analysis was made with the software of Revman 5.3 based on the study endpoint of scar width, Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores, and patient satisfaction as well. Results A total of 18 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) studies were included with 915 patients in all. The result showed that, compared with the control group, the scar width, VAS scores, and VSS scores of the BTXA group were significantly improved and higher patient satisfaction was achieved. Conclusion BTXA has a certain curative effect on postoperative scar prevention and treatment without obvious side effects.