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Botox Risky if You Have Bell's Palsy History?

have a slightly drooping lid and smile/bell's palsy incomplete smile & sliglhtly smaller eye, droopy lid- both residual from bell's palsy. b/c i got from bell's, nerve problem, i'm alittle afraid of injecting something which also might affect the nerves. botox was suggested, but again, would it be risky b/c of bell's history? i once tried restylane below for tired lines and when it plumped up bottom, made smaller eye look even smaller. any experience with this? trying to avoid potential problems before doing anything. want old smile back but can live with this, but eye issue really bothers me. opinions and suggestions greatly appreicated. thanks...

Asked 31 months ago by dancer in n.y.

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Check with your neurologist first

It would be safest for you to check with a neurologist who can examine you and determine if the Botox is safe. Despite your history of Bell’s Palsy, it might be fine for you. Fillers in the tear trough usually don’t create so much volume that the eyelid raises up, but with your droop this would make sense. Maybe a little less filler can be used next time.

Ronald Shelton, MD

Manhattan Dermatologist

Botox and Bell's Palsy

If you have an old Bell's Palsy that has not improved, Botox is a great way to balance the effects of the Bell's Palsy. You may also consider surgical intervention of the affected side.

Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Botox for facial weakness

Botox has a long history of being used in patients like yourself. It is typically injected at a higher dose into the non affected side to produce better symmetry. Botox is one option that is very safe and can be done in the office. It will not produce further damage to your weakened nerves. Other surgical options exist, most are not office based. Often a unilateral eyebrow lift will help with the droopy eyebrow and lid on the affected side. I believe that is most likely the cause of your... more

Richard W. Westreich, MD

Manhattan Facial Plastic Surgeon

Is botox safe for patients who have had Bell's Palsey

Botox is a superb way to "normalize" a face that shows asymmetry as a consequence of Bell's Palsey. Very often, the unaffected side shows hyperactive expression in an attempt to compensate for the opposite side's paralysis, and this can be relaxed into a more normal repose. However, use of Botox to achieve this effect should be done by someone with superb knowledge of facial muscle function and great experience with the finesse of Botox injection. Fillers also can be helpful in... more

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Stephen Mandy, MD

Miami Dermatologist

Botox on Bell's Palsy patient can be done, but care is required

Dear Dancer BOTOX is occasionally used to help balance the facial asymmetries associated with the Bell's palsy. A great deal of care is warranted when treating the side with the Bell's especially when there is a little motor nerve function, as this can be further compromised. I would recommend that if you are interested in pursuing this treatment option, you see a fellowship trained oculoplastic surgeon. The American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS)... more

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD

Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon

Botox can be effective treatment for patients with residual bells palsy

Botox can be effective treatment for patients with residual bells palsy. Botox has a mechanism of action that blocks the release of a chemical that causes muscle contraction. Bell's palsy on the other hand affects the nerve itself and is thought by many to be the result of a viral infection although that too has not been proven. If you are left with some residual drooping from a Bell's palsy, often times botox injections can help by minimizing twitching of muscles that can occur. Also,... more

Scott Trimas, MD

Jacksonville Facial Plastic Surgeon

Botox for Bell's palsy

Botox is commonly used to treat the OPPOSITE side effected by Bell's palsy and therefore it should not effect the nerve on the diseased side. I don't quite understand your eye comment. Typically the Bell's palsy side is more open or wide due to the nerve damage. Your comments make it sound as if that is the smaller side. Is that true?