Introduction: One major complication after cleft lip repair is a hypertrophic scar which negatively affects patient's appearance, psychology and function. Several techniques have been proposed to improve lip scar such as steroid and laser therapy, none have been effective.
Aim of the study: To evaluate the effect of Botulinum Toxin injections in reducing lip scar following cleft lip repair via study group and control group.
Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled clinical trial was performed on a total of twenty-two patients, eleven patients were injected with Botulinum Toxin in lip muscles preoperatively (Study group), and the other eleven patient performed the surgical treatment of cleft lip without Botulinum Toxin injection (Control group.) The sample was selected conveniently to fulfil a list of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Scars were assessed at two weeks, three months and six months postoperatively regarding Vancouver Scar Scale, Visual Analogue Scale, scar width and lip height measurements.
Results: At three months and six months postoperatively, the study group showed significantly better results than control group concerning Vancouver Scar Scale, Visual Analogue Scale, scar width and lip height measurements (p ≤ 0.05.)
Conclusion: Preoperative injection with Botulinum Toxin results in better esthetic outcome regarding the cleft lip repair. Trial Registration: Clinical trial.gov registration ID #NCT05559281.