Facial Treatment Question/Botox

[Susie]

I haven't posted in a long time. Brief history......GK in June 2007; Significant facial paralysis with onset Sept 2007; Some facial movement return in Dec 2007; Began neuromuscular facial re-training and vestibular rehab in Dec 2007 with Gaye Cronin at the Atlanta Ear Clinic. Things appear to have reached a "plateau" with my facial movement and I am beginning the quest for surgery (or other procedure) to regain my facial function. I have had a web consultation via Skype with Dr. Tessa Hadlock at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary at Harvard. She has recommended Chemodenervation therapy with Botox for hypertonicity and for contralateral lower lip weakening as a starting point. If I respond in a favorable manner to the Botox, then a Platysmectomy can be performed to make the effects of the Botox permanent. As a final option, she recommended a muscle transfer that she really didn't go into detail about in her report. I guess that the Botox and platysmectomy are a more "conservative"approach to begin with. I feel overwhelmed and need advice. I have sent a message "amymeri" on this site b/c she mentioned receiving treatments similar to what has been recommended for me, but she hasn't replied. Does anyone know her status?
Thanks.....

[nancyann]

Hi Susie:  I'm not online as often but I haven't seen that amymeri has posted lately..   
I had the T3 surgery, the transfer the tendon,  I didn't have any muscle transfers.
I hope the botox works for you since you do have some movement !
Always good thoughts,  Nancy

[lori67]

Hi Susie.

No info on amymeri, but Moe just had a muscle transfer procedure done so she could most likely give you some insider info on that.

Good luck to you!
Lori

[jilljpower]

Hello,
I am post surgery 13mnths and have facial paralysis.  Believe it or not, the eye plastic surgeon who did my eyelid gold weight, gave me botox in my forehead.  It really helps me to look more symmetrical and I am happy with it.  He said that putting botox in the mouth area is risky because you may have no movement at all in your face.  I was hopeful that maybe botox would help with my mouth symmetry, but I understand why he thinks it is not a good option. 

So, far I am really happy with what has been done to help my paralysis.  I have an appt with a Dr who is a plastic surgeon specializing in facial nerves.  I am interested in the T3 to help my smile.  I think it sounds like a great option.

Good luck with your botox procedure and therapy.
Jill