Botox for facial symmetry? Facial spasms (Photo)

Question

Ever since I began experiencing facial spasms on the left side of my face, it has started to look less symmetrical. The left side of my fave appears bulkier in the jaw and cheek mostly (from what I can see), and my left eye is “squintier” when I smile. Aesthetically, what is my best option? Would jaw Botox even if it out in the cheek as well? Should I get masseter Botox on one or both sides? Temporal Botox? Eye Botox? Who do I see? Already seeing a rather clueless neurologist (re: Botox) TIA!

Jose Telich, MD · Answer

Dear hannahn95 I'm sorry to hear that you are dealing with facial spasms. I can only imagine how uncomfortable and distressing this must be for you. It's understandable that you're looking for solutions to help manage these spasms, and I'm here to offer some guidance.
It's possible that botox injections in specific areas could help alleviate your symptoms. However, I understand that this is not a cure for the underlying condition causing the spasms. That's why it's crucial that you receive a proper evaluation from a surgeon who specializes in facial nerve problems such as a plastic surgeon or neurosurgeon specialized in peripheral nerve disorders. 
Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any further questions or concerns.

Ryan Rebowe, MD · Answer

Any time a unilateral procedure is necessary you will want to see a provider that performs a good number of injections, as these types of problems can be very complex. It does seem as if you would benefit from a trial of unilateral neurotoxin injection. I would inject around the left eye and into the left masseter muscle. Keep in mind you will need to repeat these injections every 3-4 months for up to a year prior to noticing any real difference as it will take some time for the muscle to atrophy. While masseter injections will not necessary effect cheek fullness, it will help to slim the face slightly and cheek filler could be utilized to even out your profile if necessary.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This is my expertise and a huge portion of my practice. Asymmetry is normal and expected. Buccal fat pad gives slimming not symmetry. Masseter botox will make you slimmer and make the jawline more loose. Fillers help give shaping and contouring. If you want perfect or close to perfect symmetry you need maxillofacial surgery or implants customized. I suggest seeing an expert to go through all options. Most of my younger clients use fillers to give them shaping especially on the cheeks, jawline, and chin which make the face look more slim and tight; and threads such as PDO or Instalift can build collagen and support the facial shaping and skin looseness over time, slowing down the aging process and given the face a more “snatched” look; and morpheus8 or PiXel8 deep microneedling RF can tighten crepe skin especially on the neck and jawline and is great for long term tightening of the full face, neck and chest; its often used to give the face a slimmer more sculpted look because it tightens the skin and gives lift. an early face lift can be performed as well even in younger clients if they want a different facial shape, maxillofacial surgery with bone breaking or shaving can also be done. For facial slimming a combination of treatments are always needed. Options include: 1. Buccal fat pad removal to reduce fat on the lower face 2. Factite or Renuvion/J Plasma to tighten the lower face, jawline, and chin to reduce fat and give the jawline and neck tightening and shaping. 3. Botox to the masseter to reduce the muscular size of the jaw giving the face an illusion of being more slender 4. Fillers to the jawline, chin, cheeks, temples and brow help to shape the face and make it more angled and defined Always use at home derma rolling (see link to Emerageskin x anteageMD roller plus stem cells/hyaluronic acid ampules) and peels like emeragecosmetics enlighten or aerify that can be used to improve skin quality and tighten the skin while improving wrinkles, pigmentation, acne, and Melasma. See an expert who does facial shaping with surgical and non surgical methods to get a comprehensive option. Best, Dr. Emer.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

We are all asymmetrical to some degree and you certainly fall into normal limits.  A combination of Botox and fillers is often used to help improve asymmetry.  Botox to the masseter muscle can help slim the jawline.  Fillers can help to even out cheek volume.  See an expert injector near you to learn more.

Tanya T. Khan, MD · Answer

Hello, it is normal to have some degree of asymmetry in all faces. You are correct in that the left side of your face may appear ever so slightly lower than the right and when you smile the orbicularis muscles surrounding the eye contract in more on the left side. Botox would be an excellent way to help improve some of the symmetry and masseter Botox would also help slim the left jaw out some. Please see an experienced oculoplastic surgeon to evaluate your facial spasms and provide treatment.

Botox for facial symmetry? Facial spasms (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Symmetry

Answer: Symmetry

Answer: Facial spasms

Answer: Facial spasms

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Botox for facial symmetry? Facial spasms (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Symmetry

Answer: Symmetry

Answer: Facial spasms

Answer: Facial spasms

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Everything you need to know about Botox

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.