Individuals dealing with blepharospasm or Meige’s syndrome require treatments from a board-certified cosmetic surgeon to reduce their constant winking or facial muscle contractions. To best determine the extent of treatment required to reduce such symptoms, consult with a specialist.
Blepharospasm is a condition of the muscles around the eyeball that often twitch many times a day or night, leading to discomfort. The eyelid muscles undergo a blinking movement that makes it difficult to live a normal, comfortable lifestyle. Alternatively, Meige’s syndrome causes more extensive muscle movements of the face that typically occur around the mouth, making it difficult to consume food or speak.
Both Meige’s syndrome and blepharospasm are difficult to diagnose unless an individual visits a knowledgeable cosmetic surgeon. While there is currently no cure for the involuntary muscle movements or contractions, Botox has been a popular, effective method of treatment. Botox, or botulinum toxin, has been used to treat blepharospasm and Meige’s syndrome since the 1980s. Most patients require up to three treatments a year with Botox injections from a cosmetic plastic surgeon to help reduce the involuntary muscle spasms of the facial muscles near the mouth or eyes.
Alternatively, an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon can perform surgical procedures to stop the winking or clinching movements of the muscles of the face. Severe Meige’s syndrome or blepharospasm that does not improve with Botox injections warrants intervention with myectomy surgery. While surgery may seem drastic, patients with severe blepharospasm that closes their eyes or Meige’s syndrome that makes it impossible to talk or eat may need to pursue this alternative option. The surgery entails removing the twitching muscles without damaging the appearance of the patient’s face.
