Abstract:

Background: A hypertrophic scar is a serious side effect of cleft lip repair that impairs a patient's function, appearance, and mental health. Numerous methods, including BTA injection, laser therapy, and steroids, have been recommended to improve lip scars.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the aesthetic outcome of Co2 fractional laser and Botulinum toxin injection on post-surgical cleft lip scar utilizing the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) to measure scar subjectively.

Methods: This was a prospective ,comparative, randomized clinical study, The study had been performed at the Plastic Surgery Department- Minia University Hospital on twenty patients with recent cleft lip scar , Patients were divided into two groups, each with 10 patients;Group (A): 10 cases have recieved co2 fractional laser immediately post operative, for 4 sessions with 2 weeks apart and Group (B): 10 cases have received intraoperative botulinum toxin

Results: The study showed that there was a significant difference between the two studied groups regarding Vascularity, pigmentation, thickness and relief , better in laser group compared to botox group , but no-significant difference was found regarding pliability

Conclusions: CO2 fractional laser usage is safe and linked to high patient satisfaction, also BTA is a safe and useful supplement to enhance the appearance of scars after cleft lip repair. This study demonstrated a difference in scar outcomes in laser group compared to Botox group. Better results were in laser group.