At Stahl, we are pleased to offer our patients BOTOX® treatments for many different conditions, conveniently located in either our Long Island or Manhattan offices.
Developed in the 1970s, initially for the treatment of misaligned eyes, it became apparent that this medication was remarkably effective for treating several types of facial wrinkles.
What is BOTOX®?
BOTOX works by interrupting the interaction between the nerves and the muscles and thereby effectively relaxes the muscles. The effect begins to work typically within 2-3 days and is usually effective for 3-4 months. Dr. Werner has been using BOTOX since 1993 and has treated thousands of patients with this highly effective medication.
In addition to cosmetic procedures, BOTOX is FDA-approved to treat various conditions characterized by involuntary muscle spasms. The most common conditions that we treat at Stahl are Benign Essential Blepharospasm (BEB) and Hemifacial Spasm.
BOTOX® for Benign Essential Blepharospasm (BEB)
In BEB, the typical patient has involuntary eyelid closure, which significantly interferes with their daily functioning. The treatment for this is the quarterly injection of BOTOX into the muscles of the eyelids. Because this is a medical condition, it is typically covered by most major health insurance plans.
BOTOX® for Hemifacial Spasms
A hemifacial spasm is similar to BEB but typically involves one side of the face, giving the patient the appearance that they’re involuntarily winking. It generally is due to compression of a branch of the facial nerve by a blood vessel. Occasionally, this involuntary movement extends to the lower portions of the face. Like BEB, health insurance companies typically cover the treatment, but unlike BEB, only one side of the face is treated.
Other options for treating hemifacial spasms include a neurosurgical procedure where the affected nerve is typically separated from the artery compressing it. As a board-certified ophthalmologist and a Fellowship-trained member of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Dr. Werner is very experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of these disorders.
Blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm are conditions that are dramatically improved with BOTOX. Blepharospasm is an involuntary closure of the eyelids, which, when severe, prevents the patient from opening her eyes. In milder forms, patients notice excessive blinking and episodes of difficulty opening their eyes. For all these patients, we are happy to provide BOTOX for their relief. When placed correctly in the eyelids, the protein provides relief to these patients for approximately three months. Because this treatment is not cosmetic, most insurance companies and Medicare provide full coverage for this procedure.
BOTOX® Wrinkle Treatments
BOTOX is also used extensively by the physicians at Stahl to treat rhytids (wrinkles) and frown lines. Lines on the face can be caused by either muscular contractions or how the facial anatomy is draped. For those lines caused by an underlying muscular contraction, BOTOX weakens the underlying muscle and diminishes or eliminates the lines it was causing. The best examples involve frown lines between the eyebrows, forehead lines caused by contraction of the forehead musculature, and crow’s feet.
Dr. Werner has over 25 years of experience injecting BOTOX for both cosmetic and functional concerns. With his extensive experience, he can tailor a treatment plan that’s perfect for you. Contact Stahl Eyecare Experts today to discuss your options for BOTOX treatment in Long Island and Manhattan, New York!
