Plastic Surgery Options for Facial Paralysis

Published on: September 8, 2015

There are several conditions that can cause facial paralysis. Bells Palsy and stroke are two of the most common causes, leaving the person with limited or no movement of their facial muscles. This can often occur only on one side of the face, changing the person’s appearance and ability to talk, chew or show emotions as they could before the paralysis. Through plastic surgery, there are options to correct some of the effects of facial paralysis and even recover some muscle movement. 

Types of Surgeries for Facial Paralysis

Depending on the cause of the facial paralysis and the severity, there are options to improve the symptoms for the patients through plastic surgery. Some nerve damage can be mitigated and muscle movement restored to some level. Others may not be able to get movement back, but are able to improve the symmetry and appearance of the face.

Dynamic reanimation procedures are used to help restore movement in the facial muscles. Most commonly, this is around the mouth and eyes. Using advanced techniques, many patients can have some movement in the corners of the mouth and cheek restored. For the eyes, procedures can be used to protect the eyes and prevent visual problems.

Static reanimation is to improve the appearance of the face when in a relaxed or at rest. Although this does not restore movement, it can greatly improve the aesthetic appearance of the patients face to give it back symmetry. One option can be a brow or face lift to balance the features of the face.

Correcting issues from facial paralysis requires advanced procedures that are best performed by a facial plastic surgeon experienced in nerve damage repair.

Posted on behalf of:
Hunter Moyer, MD
1400 Northside Forsyth Dr. #390
Cumming, GA 30041
(404) 250-3393

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