I have Marcus Gunn (Jaw-Winking) Syndrome with no ptosis. My eyes look symmetrical. Can I treat the eye wink with Botox?

Question

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Although theoretically one could become immune to Botox, in over 20 years of Botox use I have never seen immunity to it! You might want to try another doctor to inject it or consider using other Botox like products such as: Xeomin or Dysport.

Thomas Copperman, MD · Answer

Hello mimi1234555 and thank your for posting this interesting question. Typical marcus gunn jaw wink is a linked movement of the the jaw and the upper eyelid that is associated with ptosis (droopy eyelid). The problem is a miswiring of the nerves that connect the eyelid muscle with the jaw muscle. So when the jaw muscle is activated the muscle in the eyelid responsible for opening the eyelid is also activated creating a "wink" like movement. 
If you were to put botox in the upper eyelid to blunt the winking response it would likely result in eyelid ptosis or a droopy upper eyelid that would be constant. While it would blunt or diminish the degree of winking it may not be worth having persistent asymmetry while the botox is in effect. I would recommend evaluation with someone who specializes in treating this condition to see what other options are available. Best of luck!

I have Marcus Gunn (Jaw-Winking) Syndrome with no ptosis. My eyes look symmetrical. Can I treat the eye wink with Botox?

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I have Marcus Gunn (Jaw-Winking) Syndrome with no ptosis. My eyes look symmetrical. Can I treat the eye wink with Botox?

Answers (2)

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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.