Botox and its Effect on Facial Scars

How Botox can Improve the Appearance of Facial Scars

Botox injections are now a well-known way to both reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as well as treat problems such as excessive sweating and lazy eye. Botox injections temporarily paralyze muscle activity beneath the skin, which creates a more sleek and smooth appearance. The most common places that the injections are put are in the frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead lines on the face. The injections are performed by a licensed doctor or surgeon and are relatively quick and easy. The injections relax the facial muscles, and as a result, patients who have these injections done see a wrinkle-free result. One misconception is that Botox takes away all facial movement, however, if you have them done correctly they will allow minimal movement so that you can still show expressions. The injection procedure is a relatively low risk, and often only leave behind small bruises or swelling at the injection site as side effects.

While most patients choose Botox injections to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, there may be some added positive effects that can come from the injection. In a study that was conducted at the Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, researchers wanted to see if Botox injections could help reduce the appearance of scarring following various facial reconstructive surgeries. The patients were undergoing surgery for various reasons, but many were trying to get rid of a facial birthmark that affected their appearance such as a port-wine stain. During the surgery, the skin was maneuvered and then stitched back up, so it would be natural to have a scar after the procedure. The purpose of this study was to see if there was a way to possibly reduce scarring after these types of surgery, so they injected immediately after stitching the skin back up. After the surgery, half of the new facial scar was treated with BTX-A (Botox, or botulinum toxin A) and a half with a placebo saline injection. After the scars had time to heal, it was evident that the side of the scar that was injected with Botox appeared better in the sense that it was narrower and lower to the skin (more flat than raised). The Botox had this effect because of the relaxed muscles around the scar site, so the wound was able to heal without stress or movement that it may have endured during the healing process.

This study could help open the door to find more practical uses for Botox. As mentioned earlier, Botox can assist in helping solve some problem issues such as excessive sweating. If Botox can reduce the appearance of scarring after surgery, could this be something that surgeons are able to incorporate more into post-surgery routines? It’s definitely something to think about. There has been tremendous interest in Botox for physical appearance reasons, and this could be the next use for the injectable. Botox has also been found to help assist with other ailments such as chronic migraines and twitching eyelids, which can be a nuisance to those they affect. While the Botox injections did not completely eliminate the scarring post-surgery, it could be able to help scars appear flat and close to the skin as well as reducing the size of the scars. However, it is important to add that for this study, in particular, the Botox was injected immediately the following surgery so it helped prevent scar tissue from forming in the first place. More testing would need to be done to see if it had a similar effect on older scars.

The hope is that more research will be done to investigate if Botox can, in fact, be used to help reduce the appearance of scarring in addition to its other positive effects. This will be an interesting idea to keep an eye on in the world of cosmetic surgery.

References Used in this Article:

Li Hu, Yun Zou, Shih-Jen Chang, Yajing Qiu, Hui Chen, Ma Gang, Yunbo Jin, Xiaoxi Lin. Effects of Botulinum Toxin on Improving Facial Surgical Scars. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2018; 141 (3): 646 DOI: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000004110

Wolters Kluwer Health. “‘Botox’ improves the appearance of facial scars in reconstructive surgery.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 28 February 2018. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/02/180228164936.htm>.

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    Procedures

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    PARS Plastic Surgery is located in Houston, Tx, and offers a wide range of different procedures. Whatever your personal goals or priorities might be, we have what it takes to provide you with professional, quality care.

    From a complete “mommy makeover” to non-surgical procedures, we are committed to helping you achieve results that completely change the way you approach life.

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    Face

    We offer a number of different facial procedures. Facelifts can radically improve the look of your visage by boosting youthfulness and eliminating wrinkles. Botox is a convenient option that is quick and easy - with no surgery required. Lip augmentation is another popular service for adults of all ages.

    In addition, PARS Plastic Surgery can handle complex procedures such as rhinoplasties and eyelid surgeries.

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    Improving your body-image has never been easier with a range of advanced cosmetic procedures. We offer tummy tuck procedures that can transform your confidence and your appearance. Our tummy tuck surgery is safe, reliable, and completely transformative. Liposuction is another excellent option for those who are pursuing better health with a lower weight.

    A butt augmentation procedure can also boost confidence levels, and we also offer a body lift procedure to keep everything looking tight and attractive.

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    Here at PARS Plastic Surgery, we understand that your breasts are an important priority for your self-esteem and your overall feeling of well-being. Our breast augmentation procedures are safe, easy, and extremely realistic. We can also provide a breast lift to give you a new lease on life.

    Additionally, we understand that a breast reduction surgery may be necessary to alleviate back pain and help you achieve your ideal body-image.

    Inverted nipples can easily be corrected at our clinic, and we also offer breast lift services so you can feel a new sense of confidence.

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    Buttocks

    We also specialize in a range of procedures centered around the buttocks. Our butt augmentation surgery can help you achieve excellent results. Whether you’re trying to turn heads or achieve a sense of self-assuredness for your own satisfaction, we can help you reach your personal body goals. Some of our most popular services include the Brazilian buttlift.

    Fat grafting is another popular service these days that we can provide you with. We’ll help you shape your body in ways that help you achieve joy when you look in the mirror. No job is too demanding for our professional clinic. A buttock lift is another excellent option that can help you feel more youthful and attractive. Extending down through the leg, we can also provide you with a thigh lift treatment that can give your legs a newfound sense of tightness and slimming.

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    Here at PARS Plastic Surgery, we understand that modern men are interested in a range of cosmetic procedures. We can help you deal with issues related to Gynecomastia by eliminating the fatty breast tissue you might have. We are also one of the most knowledgeable clinics when it comes to hair implants. If you’re dealing with hair loss, we can provide you with implants that can transform your image and re-establish your self-confidence.

    We also offer a range of facial products that can keep you looking younger for longer. At PARS Plastic surgery, we always stay up to date with the latest anti-aging technologies, treatments, and products. We can offer expert advice on how you can maintain your youthful visage. Finally, we can offer our male clients a range of botox treatments to help maintain and augment their appearance.

    Is Dr. Rojan Amjadi, M.D. qualified?

    Dr. Amjadi is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons. He graduated with honors from the University of Texas, where he obtained his medical degree. Dr. Amjadi then trained in plastic surgery at the Texas Medical Center at the University of Texas. In addition to these qualifications, Dr. Rojan is also a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, The American College of Surgeons, and many other organizations that represent plastic surgeons across the nation. Dr. Amjadi has been practicing since 1999. He is trained in the most modern, sophisticated surgical techniques in use today.

    Is the clinic properly sterilized?

    We adhere to very strict safety, sterilization, and infection control protocols at the PARS clinic. Our dedicated and diligent staff members will protect you at all times.

    Can anyone get cosmetic surgery?

    In order to maintain high safety standards, we ask that you complete a thorough medical exam before we begin your procedures. With this approach, we can make sure that you will be as safe as possible. We speak with you about your expectations and goals before assessing your medical history and determining the safest, most effective plan.

    What’s the difference between reconstructive and cosmetic surgery?

    The purpose of cosmetic surgery is to reshape the body to improve self-esteem and create a more ideal self-image. On the other hand, the purpose of reconstructive surgery is to address disfigurement, defects, and other abnormalities. These issues may arise after accidents, surgeries to remove tumors, and things of that nature. Another big difference between these two types of surgery is the fact that cosmetic surgery is rarely covered by health insurance, while reconstructive surgery is usually covered.

    What can I expect when I recover from my cosmetic surgery?

    Your recovery experience depends on a number of factors. First of all, the type of procedure you choose may impact your recovery. Some procedures are less extensive and invasive than others, and you will likely experience an easier recovery period as a result. In addition, different patients recover in different ways. Some may require more or less pain medication than others. Your surgeon can prescribe the correct pain medications to help you overcome any discomfort. The good news is that virtually all facial cosmetic procedures involve easy recovery periods.

    How does Botox work?

    Botox injections are designed to reduce or remove visible signs of aging. The most common targets are hyper-functional lines - commonly known as “wrinkles.” These lines result from the contraction of underlying facial musculature, and Botox is effective because it temporarily weakens these muscles and prevents them from contracting. Botox does this without affecting the sensory feeling in these muscles. Botox may take up to 7 days to take full effect, although some patients notice considerable results in as little as 24 hours.

    How do I choose the right size for my breast implants?

    Choosing the right size for your new breast implants is an important decision. The choice is obviously based heavily on your own personal desires and tastes. On the other hand, you also need to take into account a number of additional factors. You might need to consider things like whether you have breastfed heavily in the past, and how this has affected your breasts. Remember, you can also receive cosmetic surgery to make breasts smaller. You can even receive surgery to change the general shape of the breasts without necessarily changing their size.

    How long do I need to take off work?

    You may need to take some time off work after undergoing your cosmetic procedure. Your surgeon will speak with you and let you know how long you need to fully recuperate. In general, most patients should rest for at least a week after receiving cosmetic surgery (less invasive procedures like Botox shouldn’t require any time off work).

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