ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Facial sequelae after facial paralysis cause serious functional and aesthetical problems including facial asymmetry, symkinesis and facial crease. The most common aesthetical problem is facial furrow and crease induced by facial hyperkinestic movement due to incomplete facial recovery. The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of botulinum toxin A injection in patients with deep nasolabial fold and bitterness furrow after facial paralysis. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Thirty-five patients who recovered partially from facial paralysis, had deep nasolabial fold and bitterness furrow with or without facial asymmetry. Botulinum toxin A intramuscular injection on perioral area for mouth corner deviation, subcutaneous injection on deepen nasolabial fold, and intramuscular injection on bitterness furrows had improved lower facial symmetry and cosmetic configuration without Pseudo Bell's palsy. RESULTS: Of 26 patients who had facial palsy side nasolabial fold before the injection, 21 patients improved. Of the 21 patients who had facial palsy side bitterness furrow, 16 patients improved after the injection. Of 11 patients who had contralateral nasolabial fold, 4 patients improved after the injection. Of 13 patients who had contralateral bitterness furrow, 7 patients improved after the injection. CONCLUSION: After botulinum toxin A injection, the patients showed marked improvement of nasolabial fold, bitterness furrow and lower facial asymmetry.