Temporary management of upper lid ptosis, lid malposition, and eyelid fissure asymmetry with botulinum toxin type A

During the past 10 years the primary focus for the aesthetic use of botulinum toxin has been directed to the treatment of dynamic facial lines. This agent has been shown to be very effective for the improvement of facial shape. The use of botulinum toxin type A for the correction of a variety of presentations of facial asymmetry has also been well established. The general principles regarding the counter-effects of facial muscle protagonists and antagonists and their potential effects on the position of facial soft-tissue regions apply here as well. Twenty-two patients received botulinum toxin type A for the temporary treatment of mild to moderate unilateral upper eyelid ptosis and aesthetic improvement of lower eyelid position, with favorable results. Although commonly related to a rare yet feared adverse consequence from the inappropriate application of botulinum toxin, its application for the treatment of upper eyelid ptosis, eyelid position, and other lid fissure asymmetries for aesthetic improvement is presented.