Botulinum Toxin Injections to Manage Sequelae of Peripheral Facial Palsy

Toxins (Basel). 2024 Mar 20;16(3):161. doi: 10.3390/toxins16030161.

Abstract

Long-standing facial palsy sequelae cause functional, aesthetic, and psychological problems in patients. Botulinum toxin is an effective way to manage them, but no standardized recommendations exist. Through this non-systematic review, we aimed to guide any practitioner willing to master the ins and outs of this activity. We reviewed the existing literature and completed, with our experience as a reference center, different strategies of botulinum toxin injections used in facial palsy patients, including history, physiopathology, facial analysis, dosages, injection sites, and techniques, as well as time intervals between injections. The reader will find all the theorical information needed to best guide injections according to the patient's complaint, which is the most important information to consider.

Keywords: botulinum toxin; facial asymmetry; facial paresis; post paralytic facial spasm; sequelae; synkinesis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bell Palsy*
  • Botulinum Toxins*
  • Disease Progression
  • Face
  • Facial Paralysis*
  • Humans

Substances

  • Botulinum Toxins

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.