Botox for Bell’s Palsy

What is Bell’s palsy?

Bell’s palsy is a facial condition causing weakness or an inability to move one side of the face. It progresses over a 72 hour period and it’s imperative to seek medical advice within this timeframe because the medication available is most effective when administered early.

The symptoms of Bell’s palsy can include facial drooping, drooling, ear pain, an inability to shut one eye and the loss of your sense of taste.

The condition is temporary and generally improves within a few weeks, however it can take six months or longer for a full recovery.

The symptoms of Bell’s palsy are similar to those of a stroke. If you think that you or someone else may be having a stroke then you should dial 999 immediately.

More about Bell’s palsy.

Treatment for Bell’s palsy – your appointment

Our botox for Bell’s palsy treatment is available at our London Harley Street, Huntingdon, Peterborough, Richmond, Reading and Sevenoaks clinics.

All our patients are given a free initial consultation to ensure that our experts can fully assess your condition and so you have ample opportunity to ask any questions.

During your consultation you and our doctor will agree which treatment will give you the outcome you require and, if you are both happy, then the treatment can go ahead immediately.

Botox treatment for Bell’s palsy

Facial muscles contract as a result of a substance called acetylcholine, which transmits electrical impulses. Botulinum toxin, commonly known as Botox, is a protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which blocks the release of acetylcholine.

Botox to manage synkinesis (unwanted facial movements)

Overactivity of some facial muscles may occur following Bell’s palsy. This can lead to unwanted movements in parts of the face (the medical term is synkinesis). For example, the eye may close when chewing or spontaneous facial twitching can occur.

Botox is injected into the affected area, temporarily paralysing the underlying muscles and alleviating unwanted facial movements.

Botox to manage facial asymmetry

Botox can be used to restore symmetry where the patient has been left with residual weakness in one side of the face. This can become more noticeable with age as the muscles on the unaffected side become stronger, creating lines and more movement.

Botox can be used to treat the unaffected side to relax the muscles, soften lines and reduce movement, bringing the appearance more in line with the affected, weaker side. This can make a dramatic improvement to the patient’s appearance.

Botox treatment for Bell’s palsy – what you can expect

You may not feel any change immediately following the treatment, the initial effects become visible within 48 to 72 hours.  The maximum effect is achieved in about one to two weeks when the treated area will feel more relaxed. You will notice less unwanted movement in the muscles if treated for synkinesis and a gradual balancing of your features if treated to achieve greater symmetry.

The benefits of the treatment usually last for up to four months, after which time further treatment may be needed.

There may be exercises and stretches given to you by the doctor to ensure you get the full benefits of the treatment.  It is very important to carry these out, as having Botox treatment provides an opportunity to change the way your face moves and to separate out movements that have become linked together.

Is Botox treatment for Bell’s palsy right for you?

We won’t be able to treat you with Botox if any of the following apply to you:

• You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• You suffer with myasthernia gravis or Lambert-Eaton syndrome.
• You have a blood-clotting disorder.

If you are not sure whether Botox will be beneficial to you, then call us on 0330 024 1300 or book in for a free consultation with one of our doctors to discuss your options.

CACI for Bell’s palsy

Our CACI treatment for Bell’s palsy can also be effective in relieving the symptoms, particularly to tighten and lift facial muscles, counteracting any drooping of the face.

Both the CACI and botox treatments can be delivered at the same appointment at our London Harley Street and Huntingdon clinics.