Effect of Botulinum Toxin A on Scar Healing after Thyroidectomy: A Prospective Double-blind Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

The persistence of neck scarring is a common concern among patients undergoing thyroidectomy. Botulinum toxin A (BTA (Botox)) has been shown to suppress scar enlargement at the incision site. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of intraoperative Botox administration on neck scarring after thyroidectomy. A prospective double-blind randomized clinical trial was performed in patients undergoing conventional thyroidectomy. Forty patients were randomly allocated to a Botox or a control group (both, n = 20). The wound was closed after injection into the platysma muscle of 50 U of Botox diluted in 1 mL of normal saline or 1 mL of saline alone. Skin scars were assessed using the modified Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale (SBSES) and Manchester Scar Scale (MSS) at 1, 12, and 24 weeks postoperatively. The SBSES and MSS scores of the Botox group were significantly better than those of the control group (p = 0.034 and p = 0.039). At 24 weeks postoperatively, the SBSES and MSS scores were significantly better in the Botox group (p = 0.006 and p = 0.030). BTA injected into the incision site can suppress postoperative scar formation and thereby improve the cosmetic outcome.