Jekyll and Hide face

[Hobbitses]

I have GCA (stroke in optic nerve in 2016, right eye). The right side of my face is now noticeably wrinklier than the other - am I right in supposing it could be due to the temporal arteries on that side not functioning…? or maybe it’s just the way it goes!

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Did you have a temporal artery biopsy that removed the artery? Shouldn't usually be a problem as there are loads of other arteries in the scalp and face to take over the blood flow and the body actually grows new arteries if needed.

The bone structure in everyone's face is assymetric even if it isn't obvious at first glance. Skin elasticity changes with age and becomes less resilient to stretching or sagging. This can result in one side of the face appearing more wrinkled or droopy than the other if the bones underneath are very different.

[Hobbitses in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks Pro - yes, temporal biopsy. Just trying to find a reason, other than the usual ravages of time and always sleeping on that side! Tried satin pillow too… ☹️

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Hobbitses]

Sorry - but it is what it is, whatever the source ... Sleep sitting up????? 😴

[Hobbitses]

🤣

[harpsichor]

You could try a Tua Viso machine - these are a very easy way of building up the facial muscles. They have been used in helping people with Bell’s Palsy to recover. They work by stimulating the muscles with a mild electric current. I have used one for several years and a friend recently told me she had bought a reconditioned one on eBay for £50.

[Hobbitses in reply to harpsichor]

Never heard of that - thanks v much, will investigate.

[pats000paints]

The right hand side? Are you a driver? Those who drive a lot are exposed to more sun on that side in a vehicle even in our climate. It's noticable often in bus and lorry drivers. Even through glass, the sun's rays can cause damage.

[Hobbitses in reply to pats000paints]

Not a driver since GCA sight loss eight years ago… but a good point.

[AtopicGuy in reply to Hobbitses]

It's a good hypothesis, because long-term exposure to UV destroys collagen and elastin in the skin. And that makes me wonder whether you have been treated on one side with medications that may do something similar.

[AtopicGuy]

If the "stroke" restricted blood to the optic nerve on the righthand side, perhaps it also affected minor nerves nearby? People who have Botox injections to reduce 'crow's feet' wrinkles near the eyes are, in fact, paralysing nerves that control muscles just under the skin, so there is a link.