A study published in the April issue of the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology has examined the efficacy and possible mechanisms of Botox on hypertrophic scarring.

Clinical observations indicate that Botox can inhibit the growth and improve the eventual appearance of hypertrophic scarring.

The team used human keloid fibroblasts to investigate the molecular mechanism of Botox on hypertrophic scarring.

Different concentrations of Botox were used to treat keloid fibroblasts.

Keloid fibroblast viability decreased with increasing Botox dose. After Botox  treatment, the volume of keloid fibroblast cells increased, but the nucleus of cells shrunk. Long, thin dendrites were formed as the concentratixon of Botox increased.

The authors concluded that Botox may promote the healing of scars by inhibiting the proliferation of keloid fibroblasts and regulating the expression of TGF-1, which could affect the expression of MMP-1 and MMP-2.

This study provides theoretical support for the clinical application of Botox to control hypertrophic scarring.