Our Summary

The research paper is a review of existing studies on the impact of botulinum toxin type A (BTA), commonly known as Botox, on the quality of scars left after cleft lip repair surgery. The review looked at studies conducted in academic hospitals, where patients who had undergone cleft lip repair and had been treated with Botox were examined.

The results showed that in all the studies, Botox was injected into the muscle around the mouth. The research found that in the four studies that measured the width of the scar and compared it with a control group that had been treated with a saline solution, the scars were significantly smaller in the Botox-treated patients. Three out of five studies reported an improvement in patient-reported scar satisfaction and two of five studies found an enhancement in the scar’s appearance using a professional rating scale after Botox treatment. No complications or side effects related to Botox or cleft lip repair were reported in any of the studies.

Therefore, the review concludes that Botox could help improve the quality of scars after cleft lip repair surgery and it has a low risk of complications. However, more research is needed with a larger number of patients to confirm these findings.

FAQs

  1. What role does Botox play in improving the quality of scars after cleft lip repair surgery?
  2. Were there any reported complications or side effects related to Botox in any of the studies reviewed?
  3. What was the general conclusion of the review on the use of Botox in cleft lip repair?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about cleft lip repair is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and minimize scarring. This may include keeping the surgical area clean, avoiding activities that could put pressure on the incision site, and attending follow-up appointments with the surgeon for monitoring and potential additional treatments like Botox injections. Additionally, maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding smoking can also promote optimal healing and improve overall results.

Suitable For

Patients who have undergone cleft lip repair surgery and are concerned about the appearance of their scars may be recommended for Botox treatment. This could include individuals who are unhappy with the size or appearance of their scars, or those who are experiencing tightness or discomfort in the area around their mouth. It is important to note that Botox treatment for scar improvement should only be considered after the initial cleft lip repair surgery has fully healed and the patient has consulted with their healthcare provider.

Timeline

Before cleft lip repair:

  1. Patient is born with a cleft lip, which is typically diagnosed during prenatal ultrasound or at birth.
  2. Patient undergoes evaluation by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare providers to determine the best treatment plan.
  3. Patient undergoes cleft lip repair surgery, which is typically performed when the child is between 3 to 6 months old.

After cleft lip repair:

  1. Patient may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the days following surgery.
  2. Patient will have follow-up appointments with the surgical team to monitor healing and address any concerns.
  3. Patient may require speech therapy or other interventions to address any speech or feeding issues related to the cleft lip.
  4. Patient may develop a scar at the site of the surgery, which can affect their appearance and self-esteem.

After Botox treatment:

  1. Patient receives Botox injections into the muscle around the mouth to improve the quality of the scar.
  2. Patient may experience temporary muscle weakness or changes in facial expression as a result of the Botox injections.
  3. Patient undergoes follow-up appointments to monitor the effects of the Botox treatment on the scar.
  4. Patient may experience improved scar appearance and satisfaction following Botox treatment.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. How exactly does Botox work to improve the quality of scars after cleft lip repair surgery?

  2. What are the potential risks or side effects associated with using Botox for scar improvement after cleft lip repair surgery?

  3. How long does the effect of Botox last in improving scar quality, and will I need repeat treatments?

  4. Are there any specific instructions or precautions I should follow before and after receiving Botox treatment for scar improvement?

  5. How soon after cleft lip repair surgery can I start considering Botox treatment for scar improvement?

  6. Will my insurance cover the cost of Botox treatment for scar improvement after cleft lip repair surgery?

  7. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that could also help improve the quality of scars after cleft lip repair surgery, and how do they compare to Botox treatment?

  8. Can you provide me with before-and-after photos of patients who have undergone Botox treatment for scar improvement after cleft lip repair surgery?

  9. What is the success rate of Botox treatment for scar improvement after cleft lip repair surgery based on your experience and the studies you have reviewed?

  10. Are there any specific lifestyle changes or skincare routines I should consider to further enhance the results of Botox treatment for scar improvement after cleft lip repair surgery?

Reference

Authors: Martinez PF, Rogers AE, Mantilla-Rivas E, Hughes H, Melo Leal D, Rana MS, Manrique M, Rogers GF, Oh AK. Journal: Cleft Palate Craniofac J. 2024 Nov;61(11):1828-1835. doi: 10.1177/10556656231190535. Epub 2023 Aug 7. PMID: 37545416