enhancing wound healing in aesthetic surgery: the role of chitosan–moringa oleifera gel

Background & objectives: this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of chitosan gel infused with the hydroalcoholic extract of moringa oleifera leaf powder in promoting wound healing and reducing scar formation following cosmetic breast surgery.materials & methods: a total of 42 patients undergoing cosmetic breast surgery were enrolled in this randomized controlled study. each patient’s breast was divided into two lateral hemispheres: one side received moringa oleifera gel, while the other served as a control with a placebo gel. the gels were applied for two weeks postoperatively. scar appearance was assessed at two weeks and three months post-surgery using the vancouver scar scale (vss), which evaluates vascularity, pigmentation, elasticity, and height. data were analyzed to compare outcomes between the treated and control sites.results: of the initial 42 patients, 36 completed the study. twenty-five and thirty-one patients were evaluated at the two-week and three-month follow-ups, respectively. wounds treated with the moringa-infused gel demonstrated an 84% improvement in healing compared to those treated with the placebo. statistically significant improvements were observed in all evaluated parameters—including vascularity, pigmentation, height, and elasticity—in favor of the moringa oleifera gel.conclusions: chitosan gel infused with the hydroalcoholic extract of moringa oleifera leaf powder significantly enhances wound healing and improves scar appearance following cosmetic breast surgery. these findings highlight its potential as a valuable adjunct in postoperative wound care for reducing scarring and promoting tissue regeneration.