Changes to facial looks can affect the confidence of any individual since our society places a lot of prominence on that aspect of our personality. People are constantly searching for safe solutions to resolve facial imperfections and enhance their looks. One technique that has recently attained popularity in this regard is Botox treatment.
Due to the misconceptions surrounding the procedure and concerns about its side effects and safety, people were earlier hesitant to undergo Botox treatment. However, In recent years, people’s perceptions toward Botox treatment have changed significantly as it has been found to be safe and effective in removing aging signs like wrinkles and in treating conditions like facial palsy. This blog will guide you on all you need to understand about Botox treatment and its effectiveness in treating facial palsy and facial rejuvenation.
Understanding Botox
Botox injections involve using a toxin that prevents a muscle from moving for a limited time. They block certain chemical signals emitted by nerves that cause muscles to contract. The toxin used is Botulinum toxin in its purified form, which meets medical control standards and is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It is commonly used for health conditions like facial palsy, neck spasms, and migraine, and cosmetic purposes like removing wrinkles and frown lines.
Before we explore the treatment procedure in more detail, let us first understand facial palsy and how it impacts the functions and looks of the affected person.
Overview of facial Palsy
Facial palsy is a condition that leads to sudden weakness in the muscles on one side of the face. The weakness causes one-half of the face to droop, with the smile looking one-sided and making it difficult to close the eye on the affected side.
The condition can happen at any age, and the exact cause is still unknown. Probable reasons include swelling or irritation of the nerve that controls the muscles on that side of the face or even a reaction occurring after a viral infection. In most people, the condition is short-term, with symptoms showing improvement within a few weeks and often full recovery in six months. Some people develop chronic facial paralysis and suffer from involuntary facial movements.
How Botox Helps In Facial Palsy
Botox is a safe and effective way to treat facial palsy, partial facial nerve paralysis, and synkinesis, which is the term used to describe the unwanted muscle contractions in the face during attempted movement. Botox shots are used to resolve this asymmetric facial movement that is typical of facial palsy. They reduce tension in facial areas, relax the muscles, and prevent them from contracting unnecessarily.
Procedure and Recovery
Before undergoing Botox treatment, you will undergo a consultation with the maxillofacial surgeon, who will evaluate your facial movement and understand your goals and expectations about the treatment. The surgeon may prescribe these evaluations:
- Ear, nose, and throat evaluation: It identifies any dizziness related to facial palsy and checks for inner ear infections or a head or neck tumor.
- Tearing test: It assesses the patient’s tearing function
- Neurologic assessment: It checks the cranial nerves, the patient’s movements, and reflexes.
- CT scan: It identifies any tumours or trauma
- MRI: It may be prescribed to identify or rule out acoustic neuroma or other tumours.
Here is the procedure in detail:
The maxillofacial surgeon injects tiny amounts of botulinum toxin through injections into the skin or muscles. The surgeon decides the number of shots based on factors like the treatment area’s size. Sometimes an ultrasound may be used to guide the needle to the correct spot.
- Managing synkinesis with Botox treatment: The surgeon injects Botox into the affected area to temporarily paralyze the underlying muscles and alleviate unwanted facial movements.
- Botox to manage facial asymmetry: When the patient has residual weakness on one side, Botox is injected to treat the unaffected side, relax the muscles, reduce movement, and soften the lines. This makes the appearance match the affected weaker side, bringing a significant improvement to the appearance.
Recovery After Botox Treatment For Facial Palsy
Usually, the effects of botox injections will be visible in two to three days, though in some cases, it may take a week or more. The effect usually lasts for 3 to 4 months. The patient needs to return for regular follow-up injections at a gap of three months to maintain the effect since the treatment will wear off. By following the surgeon’s instructions, the patient can alleviate the symptoms for many years.
Benefits of Botox treatment for facial palsy
Those suffering from facial palsy experience these benefits:
- Restores the facial symmetry by relacing the hyperactive muscles
- Reduces involuntary movements and improves facial functions
- Is an effective non-surgical treatment option for facial palsy
Risks of the procedure
Though botox treatment, when done by a skilled maxillofacial surgeon, is safe most of the time, it is better to know the potential risks:
- Nausea
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Itching
- Skin rash
How Botox Helps In Facial Rejuvenation
Botox treatment significantly reduces the appearance of facial wrinkles to rejuvenate the face and give it a fresh look. Being a minimally invasive procedure, it is safe and effective for fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes and even on the forehead,
Procedure and Recovery
The first step is an initial consultation with the maxillofacial surgeon where you can inform your surgeon about your medical history, allergies, and other conditions.
Here is the procedure in detail:
It is a non-surgical, in-office procedure that requires only minimal preparation. The surgeon will remove all makeup and cleanse the treatment area before starting the procedure.
The surgeon uses a thin needle to administer 3-5 injections of botulinum toxin Type A. The botox shot will be administered on the targeted areas between the eyebrows to treat frown lines and around the eyes to treat crow’s feet lines.
The injection improves the appearance of wrinkles and slows down the formation of new lines by preventing the contraction of facial muscles. The surgeon does not make incisions or use general anesthesia. Sometimes, topical anesthetics are used to numb the treatment area.
Recovery After Botox Treatment for Facial Rejuvenation
You can expect noticeable results 1-2 days after the treatment. You should be able to resume normal activities soon after the procedure. The effects of the procedure can last up to four months. Take care not to rub, massage, or apply pressure to the affected area since it can negatively impact the results.
Benefits of Botox for facial rejuvenation
You can expect these positive results after the procedure:
- Reduction in wrinkles and fine lines
- Delays the formation of new wrinkles
- Prevents the return of fine lines
- Improves your facial appearance, making it look more youthful
Risks of the procedure
Though the procedure is safe, knowing the potential risks is always better:
- Drooping in the eyelid area
- Headache
- Swelling
- Tiredness
- Dry eyes
- Allergic reactions
Conclusion
For those in search of a safe procedure for the above-mentioned facial issues, botox treatment comes as a life-saver, restoring both functions and aesthetics to the face.
At Gnathos Facial, our experienced maxillofacial surgeons have successfully achieved the best outcomes for many patients with facial palsy and restored the self-esteem of people worried about their wrinkles. We provide detailed guidelines to the patients to ensure the effects are long-lasting and prevent side effects.
Whether you want to resolve issues like facial asymmetry or reduce your wrinkles and fine lines to look younger, visit our hospital for a full evaluation to know if you are a suitable candidate for Botox treatment.