Long-Term Botox for Hemifacial Spasms

asked 1 year ago by Balloon Cottage in Huntley, IL
Latest answer by Ronald Shelton, MD
Question viewed 371 times
Tags: long-term, research, spasms, study

I have had hemi-facial spasms for 10 years. For the last 3-4 years Botox has proved very successful. I am contemplating surgery which is drilling into the skull because I am concerned about Botox losing it's effect after 30 years (when I am 85) and/or causing weakened facial muscles and a dropping face, eyelid, etc. Are there any studies of Botox used for Hemi-Facial Spasms for 30 years out? I cannot find any information on Botox used for 30 years. Please advise.

10 answers to Long-Term Botox for Hemifacial Spasms

Botox safety when used for many years

Although I am not aware of any long-term studies done on the safety of botox used for different conditions when used for thirty years, there do not appear to be problems when patients have had botox injected for cosmetic treatment for many years. If your treatment is working well, there may not be a good reason to undergo surgery now. Check with your neurologist if you have not yet done so.

Ronald Shelton, MD
Manhattan Dermatologist

Botox Effective for Spasm

Balloon Cottage, There is no reason to think that Botox will stop working for your condition. Botox has been FDA approved for treating spasms since 1989, so I see no reason to subject yourself to brain surgery for a condition that Botox is controlling.

Michael McCracken, MD
Boulder Oculoplastic Surgeon

Long-term Effect of Botox for Facial Spasms

Hi Balloon Cottage, Plastic surgeons and dermatologist do not know the long-term effect of continued Botox Cosmetic use, since it's only been available for approximately 20 years. However, research has shown Botox to still be useful for a long-time, for example over 10 years. Speak with your specialist to help determine appropriate options for you. Best of luck. Dr. Chaboki

Houtan Chaboki, MD
Washington DC Facial Plastic Surgeon

Long-Term Botox for Hemi-Facial Spasms

Botox has not been available for 30 years, but significant complications after long term use have not been reported. I suggest you contine your present treatment and resort to surgery only if you have problems in the future. Better alternatives may become available.

Richard W. Fleming, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

Botox is efficient remedy for hemifacial spasm, some forms of TMJ, and many forms of migraine headaches

Botox is efficient remedy for hemifacial spasm, some forms of TMJ, and many forms of migraine headaches . It has a long safety record of safety and minimal incidence of allergies.

Edward Lack, MD
Chicago Dermatologist

Botox almost certainly your safest option

The risk you are accepting using Botox is minimal. People have bean having regular Botox treatments for more than 20 years and there have not been any cumulative side effects observed. It is true that some people develop immunity to Botox, this is quite rare and only means that Botox no longer works. It is possible that Myobloc, Dysport, or one of the soon to be introduced botulinum toxins may still work, even if you developed antibodies to Botox. When compared to... more

Louis W. Apostolakis, MD
Austin Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.dr-apo.com

BOTOX® has a 20 year track record of safety

BOTOX® has been used around the world for over 20 years and over 20 million treatment sessions. Some individuals have been having regular treatment with BOTOX® for cosmetic purposes or for therapeutic purposes [for example, blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm] for close to 20 years, with good results and no problems. So, I have no concerns about using BOTOX® for long-term control of your hemifacial spasms. Best wishes, Kevin Smith MD FRCPC Niagara Falls Ontario more

Kevin C. Smith, MD
Niagara Falls Dermatologic Surgeon

Botox does tend to work long-term for Hemifacial Spasm

Hi. For most patients with hemifacial spasm Botox does work well long-term. I have personally treated a significant number of patients with hemifacial spasm for 14 years straight. It has been extremely rare for these patients to have lost effectiveness of the Botox over time. Some patients in my practice have been treated with Botox for over 25 years by various doctors. They seem to do well over the long haul. Microvascular decompression (a neurosurgical... more

Mark J. Lucarelli, MD
Madison Oculoplastic Surgeon

www.UWHealth.org

Botox for hemifacial spasm

I would not be concerned unless Botox stops working. That surgery has significant risks. One of my patient had the surgery and ended up with complete hearing loss on that side.

Peter T. Truong, MD
Fresno Oculoplastic Surgeon

www.facialsurgerydr.com

Botox has only been used since 1988.

Dear Balloon There are no 30 year studies of BOTOX for hemi-facial spasm because BOTOX has only been available for the past 23 years. There are studies that have looked at the effects of treatments over 15 years and there is another study that includes patients first treated in 1990. These studies suggest that treatment continues to be beneficial over these very long time frame. I more significant question is if you have been properly worked up for blepharospam?... more