Facial paralysis can be due to a variety of different causes: trauma, tumors, viral illnesses, congenital reasons, and stroke.  The resultant inability to move 1/2 of the face can have devastating effects for patients.  Some of these affects include inability to eat efficiently, corneal abrasions and asymmetry.

Although not all cases of facial paralysis can be treated with surgery, often there are treatments available which can decrease the effects the patient’s life. 

For patients whom are not candidates for facial reanimation procedures, there are static procedures which can improve quality of life as well as protect vital organs such as the eye.  Such procedures include placing a gold or platinum weight in the upper eyelid to assist with eye closure, or “sling” procedures which can help with oral incompetence.

For those who qualify for facial reanimation, surgical procedures to “re-wire” the face using nerves from elsewhere in the body are a potential option.  Patients who undergo these procedures typically see improvement in their facial movement and tone within a year.

In addition to the facial nerve, there are other nerves in the head & neck which can be repaired surgically if needed.   Please set up a consultation today if you feel you would benefit from these procedures.