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Blepharospasm & Facial Spasm

What is a spasm?

Blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm are periodic spasms of the muscles in the eyelids or face that develop either spontaneously or after facial trauma or Bell’s palsy. These spasms can be extremely debilitating, and patients may be unable to open their eyes, swallow, or speak, leaving them functionally blind.

Oculoplastics specialists were among the first physicians to treat these movement disorders with botulinum toxin (Botox, Xeomin, or Dysport) and have been pioneers since the earliest clinical trials in the 1980s. Our specialized training makes us uniquely qualified to analyze and treat the delicate eyelids, allowing for the optimal balance of opening and closing the eyelids appropriately.

How is this treated?

Treatment is with injections of botulinum toxin (Botox, Xeomin, or Dysport) to weaken the spasmodic muscles. The effect starts within 3-7 days and lasts for up to 3 months. Rarely, surgery may be considered to treat very severe diseases. Treatment is typically lifelong, although patients find they need less medicine as time goes on. This can be combined with fillers or other cosmetic treatments for a synergistic cosmetic effect.

How does Botox treat blepharospasms?

Botox is a neuromodulator made from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum toxin. When administered in small doses in targeted areas, Botox blocks the transmission of signals from nerve endings to specific muscles. As such, when administered carefully, Botox stops the transmission of nerve signals that lead to muscle contractions around the eyes, alleviating the symptoms of blepharospasms.

What happens during the Botox treatment?

At The Center for Eye and Facial Plastic Surgery, our board-certified oculoplastic surgeon, Dr. Ramesh, will carefully examine your eyes and discuss your symptoms to curate a personalized treatment plan. If you have uncontrollable facial spasms and blepharospasms and no underlying medical conditions that preclude treatment, Dr. Ramesh will proceed with Botox treatment.

During your appointment, the areas around your eyes will be cleansed and numbed with topical anesthesia. Dr. Ramesh will mark the targeted treatment areas on your face to ensure optimal results. Botox will be injected into the targeted areas to alleviate unwanted facial spasms and pain. After the treatment, Dr. Ramesh will discuss your recovery guidelines and aftercare, and you can resume all your daily activities immediately.

What are the side effects of blepharospasm treatment?

Your blepharospasm treatment may cause mild redness, swelling, bruising, and irritation for a few days. However, the side effects are mild and temporary, so you can resume your daily activities immediately. The results will gradually appear over 3 to 7 days and last for up to 3 months. Please schedule an appointment with Dr. Ramesh at Somerset County, NJ, for more information.

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The Center for Eye and Facial Plastic Surgery
35 Clyde Road, #104
Somerset, NJ 08873
Monday – Friday: 8:30a – 4:30p

Livingston Office
22 Old Short Hills Rd Suite 202
Livingston, NJ 07039
Monday: 9:00a – 5:00p
Tuesday: 12:00p – 7:00p
Wednesday – Friday: 9:00a – 5:00p

P: (609) 608-0142
F: (855) 644-0469