Can Botox cure a droopy eye after a stroke?

Question

Maryam Nazemzadeh, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. It depends on the degree of the ptosis (or droopy eyelid). Botox can give a brow lift, which can subtly increase the eyelid height, however this would only be for a very minimal or subtle droop. In general, Botox is not used to lift a droopy eyelid and in fact, this can be a complication of Botox injections. Meaning, Botox can cause a droopy eyelid if it is placed in the wrong location. The primary muscle for opening the eyelid is called the levator muscle and if Botox gets incorrectly placed in or around the muscle, this muscle will relax and cause the eyelid to droop. In contrast, the muscle that helps close the eye is the orbicularis oculi muscle. If Botox is placed in or around this muscle (which is often done to treat crow's feet), the eyes will subtly appear more open (and there will be fewer fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes). However, if given in higher doses, the eye will not be able to close. Therefore, Botox cannot be used to effectively lift an eyelid. The best option to lift an eyelid is with surgery. It is important, however, to keep in mind that lifting an eyelid in a patient that has a had a stroke is something that needs to be done by experienced hands. Seeing an oculofacial plastic surgeon will be your best bet, as lifting the eyelid too high in a stroke patient may lead to significant dryness and possible decompensation of the cornea.

Edward E. Dickerson, IV, MD · Answer

Typically a stroke causes paralysis of certain muscle. Botox will not reverse this paralysis however, botox could be injected into the opposite side which may provide some symmetry to your face. Botox injections can be used by an experienced injector to open the eyes and raise the brows. I would recommend an in-person consultation with an experienced injector.

Suzanne Bruce, MD · Answer

Generally speaking, it is possible for a few strategically placed BOTOX injections to help reduce a sagging eyelid or brow after a stroke. The answer isn't quite that simple, though, because it really depends on which nerves were affected, as well as the extent of the damage. It's important to see a highly qualified injector to learn more about your eligibility for this type of treatment.

Renuka Diwan, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, Botox will not elevate a droopy eyelid resulting from a stroke. I would recommend consulting  an Oculoplastic surgeon to explore any possible solutions.

Ira Vidor, MD · Answer

Hi. It is difficult to answer your question without more information. However, generally Botox will not raise an eyelid due to a stroke. For some patients, Botox can subtly raise the eyebrow and give the appearance of raising the eyelid. This is not usually effective when the eyelid is droopy from a stroke. It may be possible to raise your lid or brow with surgery though. See an oculoplastic surgeon for a consultation. Hope this helps. Best regards, Ira Vidor, M.D.

Can Botox cure a droopy eye after a stroke?

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Answer: Botox and droopy eye after a stroke

Answer: Botox and droopy eye after a stroke

Answer: Botox for droopy eyelid due to a stroke

Answer: Botox for droopy eyelid due to a stroke

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Can Botox cure a droopy eye after a stroke?

Answers (9)

Answer: Botox and droopy eye after a stroke

Answer: Botox and droopy eye after a stroke

Answer: Botox for droopy eyelid due to a stroke

Answer: Botox for droopy eyelid due to a stroke

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Everything you need to know about Botox

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