Synkinesis Excersises

[dfoxhoven]

So I'm almost 3 years post op (March 2015 will be 3 years), and I've started seeing a Facial Therapist to help with my synkinesis.  However, I'm struggling with the exercises as I realize it won't be easy and will take some time, but my fear is that if I just continue to do my exercises and do them incorrectly, that I will only be contributing to the synkinesis and not helping it.  Does anyone have any suggestions...I often feel that trying to relax muscles that I have no control over is like trying to make myself levitate...I get it takes a lot of focus...but I feel like no matter how much focus...I just can't get them to relax.  Any input or feedback is greatly appreciated.

[PamJ]

Hi I'm 4 years post op in March and I also have synkinesis I have Botox every 4 months and it's really helping.

[Kristena]

It’s such a fine line between wanting to Botox it all away and trying to gain some permanent control over the movements. I am 18 mos post-surgery. I got some Botox twice when the synkinesis started, and it was really nice except when my eye wouldn’t close fully again for a short time. I saw Jackie Diels in Sept, and she wanted me completely without the effects of Botox so she could really see what all was going on. I haven’t had it in 8 mos now, so this is the real me. It’s extremely hard, mental work trying to control movements you have absolutely no control over. Massage has been my friend much more than trying to separate facial movements. I just have to have faith that the very small, subtle improvements will eventually become larger and more automatic. And I do plan to get some more Botox after I see her again in January. So I’m sorry I don’t have better suggestions—just support and understanding!

[PamJ]

Kristina do you find your eye waters when you eat

[Kristena]

No, but it waters when I sneeze!

[Mimispree]

This is the first time I'm hearing about Botox.  Does it help someone who has total paralysis?

Mimi

[PamJ]

I can only speak for myself but my face was totally paralysed for over 2 years and then I was offered Botox and very slowly i started seeing results, my face has improved about 60%

[alabamajane]

I have been using Botox for almost a year around my eye. I get about 6 small injections 3 below eye and 3 on top lash line and outer most corner of eye. It helps with the synkenisis movements and twitching of eye when talking, eating etc. I have paralysis also and had the 12/7 nerve graft done three years ago. My face is more symmetrical with it, my eye stays open more widely and at rest I look "better",, (preferring not to say normal!!) . I have not had it on chin or anywhere but eye. I go to an ophthalmologist for treatment. But it has definitely helped.