Synkinesis

Synkinesis is the medical term for abnormal or unwanted movement of the face. This commonly occurs in patients who have recovered or partially recovered from a facial paralysis event, such as Bell’s palsy. For example, some patients with facial paralysis have unintended closure of their eye, dimpling of their chin or contraction of their neck muscles when they smile. This can be very bothersome and contribute to an altered appearance of the face. Furthermore, patients may experience excessive tightness or spasm of their facial muscles leading to discomfort. One of the treatments offered at Tufts Medical Center for synkinesis and spasm is selective Botox® injections of the face to diminish these unwanted movements.

Programs + Services


Ear, Nose + Throat (ENT) - Head + Neck Surgery

Tufts Medical Center's Department of Otolaryngology (ENT) in Boston treats a variety of conditions affecting the ears, nose, throat and sinuses.
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The Facial Nerve Paralysis Team

The Facial Nerve Paralysis Team provides care in order to improve facial function, aesthetics and quality of life.
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Doctors + Care Team

Arnold S. Lee, MD

Arnold S. Lee, MD

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Accepting New Patients

Virtual Appointments Available

Title(s): Director, Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery; Co-Director, Cleft Lip and Palate Program; Otolaryngologist; Assistant Professor, Tufts University School of Medicine
Department(s): Otolaryngology
Appt. Phone: 617-636-7702
Fax #: 617-636-1479

Facial cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, aesthetic facial plastic surgery, aging face rejuvenation, face lifts, brow lifts, blepharoplasty, septal deviation, rhinoplasty/revision rhinoplasty, cosmetic filler, lipodystrophy & lipatrophy of the head, face and neck, Mohs reconstruction, cleft lip and palate, trauma and craniofacial surgery, mandible and facial fractures, nasal obstruction, head and neck reconstruction following cancer resection

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Alexander P. Marston, MD

Alexander P. Marston, MD

Accepting New Patients

Virtual Appointments Available

Title(s): Adult + Pediatric Otolaryngologist; Facial Plastic + Reconstructive Surgeon; Assistant Professor, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Tufts University School of Medicine
Department(s): Otolaryngology, Pediatric Otolaryngology
Appt. Phone: 617-636-2820
Fax #: 617-636-1479

Pediatric airway management, head and neck masses, cleft lip and palate, mandibular distraction, vascular anomalies, congenital and acquired hearing loss, cochlear implants, facial nerve reanimation, nasal obstruction, septorhinoplasty, facial/Mohs reconstruction

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Jonathon S. Sillman, MD, FACS

Jonathon S. Sillman, MD, FACS

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Accepting New Patients

Virtual Appointments Available

Title(s): Neurotologist; Otolaryngologist; Assistant Professor, Tufts University School of Medicine
Department(s): Otolaryngology
Appt. Phone: 617-636-8724
Fax #: 617-636-1479

Neurotology, hearing loss, balance disorders, facial nerve disorders, skull base tumors, ear infections, cochlear implants

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