New Facial Scars? BOTOX May Help Keep Them Small

When BOTOX first came on the market, some consumers hesitated to put a toxin in their faces for fear that it would freeze their expression. However, over decades of success and additional training for medical teams, Americans have learned to trust this treatment; in fact, through its aesthetic use, other off-label purposes, like controlling migraines, have been discovered. Another potential benefit that has recently attracted attention is BOTOX could help facial scars after a wound or surgery. Learn more about BOTOX and this new use by continuing to read the content below.

How Does BOTOX Work?

Whether you want to smooth wrinkles from aging or help a wound heal better, BOTOX performs the same task with amazing results. This toxin temporarily paralyzes facial muscles, relaxing tension and making wrinkles less apparent. When it comes to fresh wounds, with less movement, your skin can remain still and heal more efficiently.

How Can BOTOX Minimize Facial Scars?

In a couple of studies, patients who received BOTOX injections soon after facial surgery tended to have thinner, smoother scars months afterward than those who didn’t. When skin moves around, it not only takes longer for the skin to heal but it also results in a wider, bumpier scar, but BOTOX seems to force the muscles that contract and condenses skin to sit stationary and improve the ultimate scar left behind for the longer term.

What Else Should I Do to Reduce Facial Scars?

Before and following any surgery, your medical team will share aftercare instructions to prevent complications. For example, these directions should include when it’s okay to shower or wash the wound area, how many days to rest, and how to clean it to avoid infection. Be sure to follow these instructions—deviating from them could prolong the healing process as well as create worse scarring.

Does BOTOX Work on Older Scars?

Although you might think of BOTOX as a solution for “older” adults to take care of wrinkles that have set in over time, in this case, the studies examining the effects of BOTOX have mostly focused on fresh wounds, not older scars. Because the skin has already reattached, it may be too late for this toxin to make a difference in the appearance of long-existing scars.

If you know you will undergo some sort of facial surgery or procedure soon, make sure you make plans to receive BOTOX injections afterward. This simple step could keep your scar smaller than it would be otherwise, helping you feel confident in your appearance for many years to come.

About the Practice

Richardson Pain & Wellness is a clinic that provides a wide variety of services, including both health and cosmetic issues. In fact, we can help with BOTOX injections and other anti-aging treatments, pain management, and medical weight loss. If you are interested in taking advantage of BOTOX, feel free to contact us online here or call our office at 972-907-1125 to schedule an appointment.