A RANDOMIZED controlled trial reveals that topical timolol may offer an effective and non-invasive solution to improve the appearance of immature scars following mammoplasty surgery. This double-blind study investigated whether 0.5% timolol eye drops, when applied topically to surgical scars, could deliver measurable improvements in erythema reduction and overall aesthetic appearance.
Twelve patients undergoing bilateral mammoplasty were enrolled in the trial. Starting 48 hours postoperatively, one breast was treated with topical timolol and the other with distilled water as a placebo control. Patients were instructed to avoid additional medications, minimize sun exposure and pressure, and cleanse the area every three days. Aesthetic assessments were conducted at 10 and 30 days using a 10-point Likert scale, with blinded specialists evaluating outcomes.
After one month, researchers observed that timolol significantly reduced erythema over time (Interaction p < 0.0001; Treatment p = 0.02), with an average reduction of 5.38 points compared to 4.41 points in the control group. This translated to a mean difference of 0.972 points (95% CI: 0.18–1.7). Moreover, the timolol-treated scars received notably higher aesthetic ratings (Interaction p < 0.0001; Treatment p = 0.015), improving by an average of 5.5 points versus 4.58 points in the placebo group. The difference in aesthetic improvement was again 0.972 points (95% CI: 0.23–1.7). The trial’s findings suggest that early application of topical 0.5% timolol may significantly enhance scar appearance and reduce erythema during the early stages of healing. Given its safety profile and non-invasive nature, timolol presents a compelling option for clinicians seeking to optimize scar outcomes in postoperative care. Reference: Nafissi N et al. Effect of Topical Timolol on Healing of Immature Breast Scars After Mammoplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial With Blinded Assessors and Patients. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2025;24(6):e70261.
