Hemifacial spasms are neuromuscular disorders in which involuntary facial contractions or twitches occur on one side of the face. The primary nerve that controls facial motor function is called the seventh cranial nerve. When functioning properly, this nerve stimulates movement in the eyebrows, eyelids, mouth, and lips. In people who suffer from hemifacial spasms, however, the nerve involuntarily misfires, causing the person’s face to physically contract or twitch. This misfiring is often a result of an artery wrapped too closely around the nerve. Although hemifacial spasms are not painful, they can be embarrassing, interfere with social interaction, and affect a person’s eyesight. Two types of hemifacial spasms are typically displayed, either typical or atypical.
Typical hemifacial spasms are the most common type of spasm. Symptoms begin in the lower eyelid, and as time passes, the spasm will worsen to include the entire eye, cheekbone, and lips. Atypical hemifacial spasms display the opposite progression. They begin as lip spasms, and as time passes, the spasm spreads to include the cheekbone and eye. Despite the type of hemifacial spasm that you display, both typical and atypical types can be treated with Botox® injections.
Botox® is a simple, fifteen minute, in-office procedure. During treatment, the botulinum toxin is injected directly into the affected lip, cheek, or eyelid muscles. Patients who only display eye or lip spasms can receive site specific injections. Treatment will temporarily prevent facial twitching but will not prevent the progression of the spasms, therefore, if symptoms progress to encompass both the lips, cheek, and eye, further injections will be necessary to control the spasms.
Some patients find instantaneous relief from this condition directly following treatment, but most patients must wait 2 to 3 days before treatment becomes effective. Relief from Hemifacial Spasm symptoms will last for approximately 3 to 6 months. Patients will need to return for treatment after this allotted time to maintain their results. If treatment should cease without further maintenance appointments, symptoms will return to their original intensity. A few days of recovery is usually associated with this treatment, as opposed to the 2 to 3 months of recovery associated with invasive Microvascular Decompression surgery.
Treatment Comparison:
| Botox® | Microvascular Decompression Surgery |
| Minimally Invasive | Utilizes scalpels and stitches |
| 15 minute in-office outpatient procedure | 2 night hospital stay |
| Slight bruising & swilling at injection site | 2 to 3 month recovery |
| Regular appointment are necessary to maintain results | Results are permanent |
| Minimal risk & downtime | Invasive brain surgery |
At Miami Eye Center, Dr. Joseph Selem will meet with you during your private consultation to assess your individual situation. Dr. Selem can help you decide if Botox® in Miami is right for you. See the beauty in yourself and the world around you in crisp, clear detail today! Request an appointment online or call Dr. Joseph Selem and the staff at Miami Eye Center at 305-444-0221 to schedule your private consultation.
