Botox

Botox is the most common cosmetic procedure in the USA and is a favourite among both men and women looking for non surgical facial rejuvenation. It has a fairly long history of use in Ophthalmology.

      What are the indications for Botox?

What is Essential blepharospasm?

Benign essential blepharospasm is uncontrolled contraction of the muscles of the face and eyes. The condition is usually present in both sides and may range from mild twitches to severe contractions of the muscles causing inability to open the eyelids. The spasms are worse when there is exposure to bright light, fatigue and emotional stress. The spasms are absent during sleep.

What is hemifacial spasm?

Hemifacial spasm is uncontrolled contraction of the muscles of one half of the face. It is at times due to irritation of the facial nerve  ( nerve responsible for facial movements) at the base of the skull. These spasms are present even in sleep and necessitate investigations ( eg. MRI of brain).

What are the treatment options?

Treatment with medications is difficult and the results are variable. The most common treatment fro these conditions is Botulinum toxin injections (BOTOX, Allergan, USA). BOTOX is a USA FDA  approved drug for the treatment of facial contractions and cosmetic improvement. The toxin is injected at multiple sites around the eyelids and the brow to temporarily paralyze the affected muscles. The effect is seen after about a week’s time and usually lasts for a variable period ( 4-6 months). In rare instances  or in cases refractory to BOTOX surgery is needed.

Ophthalmologists (eye surgeons) specialized in Plastic and reconstructive surgery (Oculoplastic surgery) are most qualified to give the injections and perform surgeries.

View Botox Pre-injection video

View Botox Post-injection video