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Is Botox for Facial Synkinesis Safe and Effective?

Facial synkinesis can cause involuntary facial muscle movement that makes it difficult to smile, frown, and make other facial expressions. Selective neurolysis surgery and neuromuscular retraining (NMR) are common treatments for synkinesis. In addition to these treatments, Botox can be used to correct synkinesis symptoms. 

What Is Botox for Facial Synkinesis?

Botox is one of the most effective treatments for patients suffering from partial facial paralysis and Bell’s palsy. It consists of a protein derived from botulinum toxin and can relax unwanted muscle movements in the face. 

Also, Botox has been a top treatment for synkinesis for the past two decades. Synkinesis patients can receive Botox injections that reduce tension in areas of the face that are hyperactive. 

How Does Botox to Correct Synkinesis Work? 

For synkinesis patients, Botox can relax muscle movements in the abnormal and hyperactive side of the face. In doing so, the injectable helps these patients achieve a symmetrical facial appearance. It also reduces unwanted facial muscle movement.

A Botox synkinesis treatment stops the release of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger located at the point where the facial nerve endings meet the muscle cells. Acetylcholine attaches to receptors on the muscle cells and causes muscle cells to contract and shorten. Meanwhile, Botox prevents the contraction of muscle cells otherwise caused by the release of acetylcholine. 

Botox can also be injected into Bell’s palsy patients in small concentrations. It works quickly to prevent nerve cell signals from reaching the muscles.

Injections of Botox into the paralyzed side of the face can loosen paralyzed muscles, resulting in less of a downward facial pull. Although the downward pull from Bell’s palsy or partial facial paralysis can be limited, the face can appear more symmetrical following these injections. And, the physical signs of Bell’s palsy can become less noticeable after the injections.

What Are the Results of Botox for Facial Synkinesis?

Botox can help patients manage synkinesis symptoms. To understand how, consider the results of a study of 41 patients dealing with synkinesis or hyperkinesis. 

Study researchers found that Botox injections delivered positive results for patients. They noted the injections can be repeated to improve patients’ quality of life. 

In another study, researchers examined the effects of Botox injections on 99 facial synkinesis patients. They concluded that synkinesis patients can benefit from these injections. 

The aforementioned studies highlight the effectiveness of Botox for facial synkinesis. But, it is important to note that the results of facial synkinesis Botox injections vary. 

For patients dealing with synkinesis, meet with Dr. Babak Azizzadeh of The Facial Paralysis Institute. Dr. Azizzadeh is a globally recognized facial paralysis and reconstructive surgeon who has administered many Botox treatments to synkinesis patients. He takes an in-depth approach to synkinesis procedures and will ensure that a synkinesis patient can benefit from treatment. Dr. Azizzadeh also verifies that his patient knows what to expect throughout treatment and can establish realistic treatment goals.

Are You a Good Candidate for Botox Synkinesis Injections? 

To determine a synkinesis patient’s eligibility for Botox injections, Dr. Azizzadeh requests an in-person consultation in Beverly Hills or virtual consultation via Zoom. The consultation enables Dr. Azizzadeh to evaluate his patient’s synkinesis symptoms. Dr. Azizzadeh also reviews his patient’s medical history to find out if a synkinesis treatment can endanger their health. 

Dr. Azizzadeh may recommend Botox to correct synkinesis symptoms. Or, he sometimes recommends Botox injections after facial paralysis surgery. There may be times when Dr. Azizzadeh recommends NMR and Botox to treat facial paralysis or weakness. 

A Botox synkinesis treatment is tailored to a patient. Dr. Azizzadeh discusses the treatment, how it is performed, and the risks associated with it with his patient. From here, synkinesis treatment is administered with precision and care top of mind.  

What to Expect During a Botox for Facial Synkinesis Treatment

Dr Azizzadeh assesses a synkinesis patient’s facial movement. He then determines where to inject Botox and the amount required to alleviate his patient’s synkinesis symptoms. 

Botox can relax muscle movements in the face, and a patient can notice the results of treatment within one week. The patient can experience treatment results that last up to four months. 

Dr. Azizzadeh monitors his patient’s progress following Botox injections. If a patient has concerns or questions following treatment, he or she should notify Dr. Azizzadeh. The patient should also seek out immediate medical attention if he or she experiences any serious side effects after treatment injections. 

What to Expect After Botox for Facial Synkinesis Injections

Botox for facial synkinesis can deliver outstanding results. However, there are several risks associated with this treatment, including:

• • Bruising and/or swelling at the injection site
  • Eye dryness
  • Difficulty speaking and/or swallowing
  • Vision problems
  • Muscle weakness

Dr. Azizzadeh only performs Botox to correct synkinesis after a patient consultation. As part of a consultation, Dr. Azizzadeh examines his patient’s facial features and performs a comprehensive assessment. He also encourages his patient to ask questions about treatment and learn as much as possible about it. 

If Dr. Azizzadeh considers a patient to be a good candidate for Botox, he plans accordingly. Dr. Azizzadeh communicates and collaborates with his patients throughout the course of a treatment program. He remains accessible to respond to any concerns and questions from his patients, too. 

Although Botox may be a great choice for many synkinesis patients, various alternative treatments are available that deliver proven results as well. If Dr. Azizzadeh believes Botox is too risky for his patient, he can share alternative treatments to help this individual alleviate their synkinesis symptoms. 

Want to Learn More About Facial Synkinesis Botox? Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Azizzadeh

Dealing with synkinesis, facial paralysis, or Bell’s palsy can be frustrating. But, Botox injections can help patients cope with these issues. 

Synkinesis, facial paralysis, and Bell’s palsy patients can receive Botox injections that can improve facial symmetry. They also allow regain the ability to produce natural facial expressions. 

Dr. Azizzadeh can provide insights into Botox for facial synkinesis. For more information or to request a consultation with Dr. Azizzadeh, contact us online or call us today at (310) 807-2829.