Facial paralysis
What is facial paralysis
surgery?
Who is a good candidate?
Risks
Preparing for facial paralysis
surgery
Recovery
What is facial paralysis
surgery?
The Division of Plastic Surgery’s
facial paralysis program is a regional leader.
Penn doctors are using the very latest reconstructive
procedures to restore function, symmetry and
appearance for those with facial paralysis,
or weakness on one side of the face. They are
not only treating the peripheral effects of
facial nerve damage but also repairing the facial
nerve itself.
Among the latest cutting-edge procedures, doctors
at Penn are grafting nerves from other parts
of the body into the face and seeing excellent
results. They are also using small tubes surgically
implanted in the face to guide regrowth of the
facial nerve.
Bells palsy is the most common cause of facial
paralysis. The condition can impair speech,
keep eyelids from closing completely, cause
drooling and leave facial features drooping.
Treatment may or may not be amenable to surgical
treatment.
Who is a good candidate?
Every form of facial paralysis is different,
as is every patient. Talk with your reconstructive
plastic surgeon about what results you can realistically
expect after your surgery. Many patients can
have significant movement restored to their
face, though subtle expressions may not be recoverable.
If you have had a stroke or other neurological
event that has left part of your face paralyzed,
consult with a neurologist.
Risks
Surgery has risks, but you can help prevent
complications by carefully following your physician's
instructions both before and after surgery.
Talk with your plastic surgeon to be sure you
understand the potential risks and complications.
If you don't understand something, ask!
Preparing for facial
paralysis surgery
Facial paralysis caused by Bell’s palsy
can improve over time. Talk with your Penn surgeon
to see if now is the right time to begin your
treatment.
Recovery
After the wound from your surgery has healed,
your doctor may prescribe physical or occupational
therapy to help regain further. Carefully following
the outlined plan will help to give you the
very best long-term results.
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