Potential use of botulinum toxin type A for controlling contraction of skin grafts

Botulinum Toxin to Improve the Prognosis of Skin Transplantation: A Short Narrative Review

Skin transplantation is a traditional and well-established method of repairing skin loss, especially deep second-degree postburn wounds. Complications often happen amid the healing process, including necrosis and skin contracture, which has raised widespread concern from patients and doctors. Since the first recorded medical application of botulinum toxin for strabismus, accumulating evidence has enclosed all-round potential of botulinum toxin, more than aesthetic management. In recent decades, botulinum toxin also has been revealed to improve the prognosis of skin grafts. This literature review aims to briefly summarize the history and latest advances of its use for skin transplantation.