Trivia Junction

A Compendium of trivia I find interesting
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Scar Treatment, Botox does have a use

Finally, a seriously valid reason for getting a Botox injection.

Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have discovered that treating a facial wound in the early phase of healing with botulinum toxin improves the appearance of the scar later.

“This is the first medication found to minimize scarring,” said Dr. David Sherris, the study investigator and a professor of otolaryngology at the University of New York at Buffalo.

Scientists found that an injection of botulinum toxin soon after a facial wound (caused by such things as a dog bite, car accident or assault) or after a skin biopsy resulted in paralyzing the region. That prevented muscle movement that would wrinkle the wound and promote inflammation, leading to thicker, more pronounced scarring.

By immobilizing the area, the toxin creates a relatively smooth, undisturbed surface for healing. Side effects of the injections are mild (bruising at the injection site, headaches), but researchers caution against using Botox injections where paralysis might interfere with normal facial functions, such as blinking.

Further studies are planned to determine whether Botox injections are effective for scar reduction elsewhere on the body, and at what doses the toxin is most effective.

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