While many patients may associate Botox with cosmetic surgery, it can also treat facial conditions, such as facial asymmetry, facial tightness and involuntary movements known as synkinesis. Botox, or Botulinum toxin, blocks the release of neurotransmitters that tell nerves to tell muscles to contract or tighten.
How Common Is Facial Paralysis?
While most patients with Bell’s Palsy typically make a full recovery, around 30% of patients will develop synkinesis, facial asymmetry and facial and neck tightness.
Though these conditions are frequently seen with Bell’s Palsy, they can also be the result of:
- Ramsay Hunt Syndrome
- Facial nerve repair
- Acoustic neuroma (aka vestibular schwannoma) surgery
- Facial trauma
- Head and neck cancer surgery
Why It Occurs
After injury or trauma, the facial nerve typically regrows without issue, but sometimes, the new branches that grow do not align with the proper muscles. One nerve branch may split into two branches and connect to different muscles. This process is known as aberrant facial nerve regeneration, or a miswiring of the facial muscles.
How Botox Treats Facial Paralysis
Botox relaxes facial muscles and prevents them from contracting. By relaxing these muscles, tension and unwanted movements are reduced. This treatment can help alleviate unwanted symptoms so you can get back to your usual routine.
Call Spartanburg | Greer ENT & Allergy at (864) 582-2900 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
