Synkenises due to bells palsy.. can I get more symmetry? (photos)

Question

I've delt with synkenisis since i can remember, i had bells palsy when i was 9 back in 2000. I want the right side of my face to look like my left side, normal.. i try to cover up with makeup but im sick of it, i just want my eyes to be even when i smile, get rif of the chin dimple, eyebrow goes up when i smile, and my cheeck seems kind of droopy makes a bigger smile crest on the affected side. Would botox help? Please, desperate 19 yr old

Sean R. Weiss, MD, FACS · Answer

Frequently Botox is used to help with synkinesis.  It can help to relax the muscles that are over active and result in a more balanced facial expression.  Care must be taken to treat and follow up so that subtle adjustments can be made for the best outcomes.  Best regars

Jessica Lattman, MD · Answer

Yes, Botox is an excellent choice for your issue.  It can really improve facial symmetry.  I would recommend seeing someone who has a lot of experience with this specific use of botox.  It is very important where and how much is injected.  But the results can be fantastic.Good Luck.

Babak Azizzadeh, MD, FACS · Answer

BOTOX can be a great treatment for synkinesis. Botox works by reducing the activity of the muscles that are overactive or uncoordinated. Most common areas of injection are eye muscles (orbicularis), neck bands (platysma), and chin dimpling (mentalis). Botox can also be used to symmetrize the face by reducing the activity of certain muscles on the normal side of the face such as: forehead, lower lip depressors (depressor anguli oris) and crow’s feet (orbicularis). I specialize in synkinesis and facial paralysis treatments and see patients from around the world. Because many doctors are unfamiliar with synkinesis it is very important you are evaluated by a facial nerve expert and have BOTOX for the first time with a physician, like myself, who treats patients like you on a daily basis so that you get the best results possible. I see that you live in Maine, so I wanted to let you know that my office does offer Skype consultations so that I can evaluate patients' facial movement and recommend treatment plans before the patients fly all the way out to Beverly Hills. Please contact my office at info@facialparalysisinstitute.com or call us at 310-657-2203 to learn more.

Gustavo A. Diaz, MD · Answer

Botox can be used for synkinesis, but judicious amounts should only be injected. This is one of the most difficult injections because you want to decrease the strength of one side but not the other. I suggest you consult with an expert physician injector of Botox for this problem.Hope this helps,Dr. Gus Diaz

Jesse E. Smith, MD, FACS · Answer

Synkinesis manifests itself as involuntary muscular movements accompanying voluntary movements.  Thus, when a person with synkinesis smiles, we commonly see increased squinting and involuntary hyper-contractions in the side that was affected by the Bell's.  Unfortunately, it is difficult to tell from the photos if this is the exact issue.  If Synkinesis is indeed your issue, Botox can greatly assist you.  We have injected patients with synkinesis and blepharospasm for years.  It requires an artful hand, and a thorough consult.  The physician injector must carefully watch the face and map those areas that are hyperkinetic.  We often also inject the normal side of the face as well to calm areas that are more active on that side, in order to match any deficits on the Bell's side, thus, restoring harmony, balance, and symmetry to the face.

Synkenises due to bells palsy.. can I get more symmetry? (photos)

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