Facial Spasm: Botox® injections for Hemi-facial spasm

Board Certified Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon, William M. Portnoy, MD, FACS, is one of Manhattan, New York's leader in Botox® injections for hemi-facial spasms.
 
Hemifacial spasms are characterized by chronic twitching or spasms of one side of the face. Hemifacial spasms affects muscles activated by the facial nerve. Hemifacial spasm can result from a neurological condition or may follow Bell's palsy (an inflammation of the facial nerve resulting in temporary facial weakness) due to incorrect regeneration of the facial nerve.

Hemifacial spasm results in involuntary contraction of the facial muscles usually limited to one side of the face. The eyelids may be involved as well as the lip complex resulting in upturning of the corner of the mouth. Patients may even have facial twitching during periods of sleep. If left untreated, the spasms may worsen and extend to involve other facial muscles. In more severe cases, the hemi-facial spasms may cause the mouth to become clamped shut. This can make speaking, eating, and swallowing extremely difficult.

Botox® is a purified form of the neurotoxin Botulinum toxin, which is produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum that causes Botulism. Small doses of Botox® may be injected into muscles, causing temporary weakness or paralysis in the injected areas. In HFS, Botox® may be injected into the affected muscles, and spasms may be blocked. The drug effect wears off after two to three months, and repeat injections are then required to once again control the spasms.

Botox is particularly effective for HFS involving only the small muscles around the eye. Spasm control is more difficult to obtain when the larger muscles of the lower face become involved. As the severity and extent of HFS progresses over time, the effectiveness of repeated Botox® injections may diminish.

If you have questions about BOTOX injections for Hemi-Facial spasms, or would like to schedule a consultation, please don't hesitate to contact William M. Portnoy, MD, FACS at his Manhattan, New York City Office by phoning 212.366.0848.
 

RECONSTRUCTIVE Blepharoplasty       (Eye Lid Surgery) Congenital Malformations Facial Trauma Facial Paralysis Facial Scar Revision  Facial Spasm Forehead Lifts Mentoplasty       (Surgery of the Chin) Mohs Surgery       (Skin Cancer / Turmor Removal) Nasal Reshaping Otoplasty       (Surgery of the Ears) Rhinoplasty Rhytidectomy        (Face-lift )

Member
American Academy of Otolaryngology


Member, American Head and Neck Society


 National Board of
 Medical Examiners


Member
New York Head and Neck Society

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New York Office Location: 160 West 18th Street, Manhattan, New York  10011

Providing facial plastic, cosmetic, and reconstructive surgery. Centrally located to serve the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut area including the Bronx, Brooklyn, Long Island, Manhattan, New York City, Queens and Staten Island.