Facial Spasms and Paralysis

Facial spasms and paralysis can be both physically and emotionally taxing, but you don't have to face them alone. Our compassionate team is here to provide support and guidance every step of the way, offering innovative treatment solutions to help you overcome these challenges and reclaim your life.

Regain Your Peace of Mind with Expert Treatment for Facial Spasms in Westchester

At New York Eye & Face, patients enjoy personalized attention in a boutique setting, where all their concerns are addressed in a prompt, courteous manner. Dr. Anaïs Carniciu is an award-winning, ASOPRS-certified oculoplastic surgeon who personally performs non-invasive BOTOX injections for those dealing with facial spasms.

Dr. Carniciu and the staff were very professional and very informative. I would highly recommend NY Eye & Face. Dr. Carniciu was very supportive during the procedure and my follow-up visits were timely with the staff reminding me of my scheduled appointments.

K.C.

What Are Facial Spasms?

Facial spasms present as twitches of the eyelids and facial muscles. They may occur on one or both sides of the face. They can be quite localized, appearing only in the eyelids, or they can occur more diffusely throughout the entire face and even in the neck. Facial spasms arise due to a variety of conditions. In minor forms, such as myokymia, the eyelid may twitch temporarily due to irritants, stress, lack of sleep, or caffeine. Spasms may also occur after a significant physical trauma. Occasionally, spasms may be a sign of an issue with nerve pathways. The most common conditions include myokymia, benign essential blepharospasm, and hemifacial spasm. In extreme cases, your surgeon can work together with either a neurologist or neuro-ophthalmologist to help determine the correct diagnosis.

Treatment Options for Facial Spasms

The most effective treatment for spasms is botulinum toxin injections. While BOTOX is usually called upon to address cosmetic conditions, botulinum toxin has a high rate of efficacy for spasm conditions. Botulinum toxin can weaken the action of muscles by interrupting nerve signals. For cosmetics, this helps to reduce wrinkles caused by repetitive muscle contractions (smiling, frowning, squinting, etc.). For spasms, botulinum works to weaken the muscles causing the eyelid or facial spasm. Oral medications have varying degrees of effectiveness. These options could be attempted, though they often have side effects that may reduce the tolerability of the medication. Surgeries are also an option for treating spasms, though they have variable success rates, and you may still require botulinum toxin after surgery.

What is the Benefit of BOTOX for Facial Spasms?

Non-invasive and non-surgical
Painless with no downtime
Quick session time of around 15 minutes
Helps to ease bothersome facial spasms
Restores peace of mind and quality of life
Improves self-confidence

What Can I Expect From My Treatment?

Botulinum toxin injections are administered in the office setting. Dr. Carniciu performs all injections herself, drawing on her expertise and artistry as a board-certified oculoplastic surgeon. The treatment takes less than five minutes. Patients can undergo BOTOX injections approximately every 3 months, though treatment intervals vary by patient. Occasionally, bruising or redness may occur after your botulinum injection, though these side effects fade quickly. Results typically become apparent within three days, with full changes surfacing at about two weeks after treatment. Injection dosages and patterns are typically adjusted at future treatments to meet your needs.

Why Choose Dr. Carniciu in Westchester, NY?

Dr. Carniciu is an award-winning, board-certified oculoplastic specialist who provides concierge care and a compassionate approach for her patients at New York Eye & Face. She takes all the time necessary to carefully address questions and concerns, creating a one-of-a-kind treatment plan that is customized to each patient’s unique needs and goals. Dr. Carniciu is deeply committed to patient safety. All procedures take place at her immaculate, state-of-the-art offices, equipped with the latest in advanced, cutting-edge technology. Dr. Carniciu is one of only 750 oculoplastic surgeons worldwide – and the only one in Westchester, NY – to be certified by ASOPRS (the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery). This elite and prestigious organization ensures the highest standards of aesthetic excellence by requiring that its members pursue demanding Fellowship training and exhaustive written and oral examinations. Dr. Carniciu’s industrious training background combined with her exclusive focus on facial procedures ensures your results are seamlessly natural-looking.