BOTULINUM TOXIN, AN ALTERNATIVE UMA, NON-TREATMENT OF FACIAL PARASTHESIA

Abstract

Botulinum toxin has been widely used in aesthetic procedures for orofacial harmonization, including treatments for wrinkles and facial expressions, gummy smile and other conditions such as facial paralysis. The objective of this literature review was to describe the effectiveness of botulinum toxin in the therapy of patients with facial paresthesia. Current articles, monographs and dissertations published between 2017 and 2022 were used, searched in the Google Scholar, Scielo, PubMed and VHL (Virtual Health Library) databases. The following descriptors were used: Botulinum Toxin, Bell's Palsy, Facial Paralysis. As inclusion criteria, relevant scientific articles, monographs, dissertations and systematic reviews published in English and Portuguese between 2017 and 2022 selected, and those that did not fit disregarding. Botulinum toxin has been considered one of the main treatments for facial asymmetries. The rehabilitation of patients with facial paresthesia with this substance has been presented as a good option as a minimally invasive method, however there is no consensus in the literature regarding a standard protocol. There is still a lack of studies that point out the adverse effects of botulinum toxin in the treatment of paresthesia and facial paralysis in the medium and long term.