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S. Mark Taylor, MD, FRCS, Department of Surgery, Capital District Health Authority in Halifax, Nova Scotia and resident Elaine W. Fung, MD, are conducting a study sponsored by Allergan to assess whether Botox injections can reduce scarring from surgical wounds. “The theory is that we may be able to lessen scarring if we can relax the muscle pulling the wound apart,” says Dr. Taylor.
“There are some studies that also suggest Botox injections directly inhibit fibroblasts,” adds Dr. Fung.
“We chose thyroidectomy wounds because most patients are younger women and the surgery leaves a visible scar. Botox injections will relax the platysma muscle, which tends to pull the wound apart. Other studies have shown improved wound healing after Botox injections in the forehead, which has a similar muscle,” says Dr. Taylor. Results should be available in early 2013.

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