Botulinum A Toxin for (Expressionistic) Ptosis Overcorrection After Frontalis Sling

Abstract

Botulinum A toxin was injected into the frontalis muscle in two patients with complete third nerve palsies to limit intermittent upper lid retraction after a frontalis sling procedure. This form of lid retraction is noted during periods of active facial movement with occipitofrontalis muscle contraction. Although upper lid position may be symmetric when the facial muscles are adynamic, the upper lid may retract during periods of active facial expression. This type of lid retraction was corrected using Botulinum A toxin injections into the frontalis muscles, without affecting the lid position when the facial muscles are adynamic. Both improvement in appearance and intermittent exposure were noted in both cases. Additionally, a blunting of the transverse forehead creases occurred over a defined area after this injection, representing a clinical example of a denervation field produced by a point injection of botulinum toxin.