Methodist Center for Bells Palsy, Facial Paralysis Surgery & Functional Restoration

How has Facial Paralysis
Affected You?

The face is our calling card to the world. Expressions represent a complex language reflecting internal feelings. A warm smile extends an invitation for friendship and social interaction.

When the facial nerve is damaged our expressions often betray us. The face refuses to portray our emotions and a smile becomes an awkward grimace or worse, an expressionless void. Loss of this important means of communication can produce self consciousness and social isolation.

Facial nerve paralysis is the unfortunate end product of a large series of complex disorders. Inciting events include tumors, trauma, viral infections (Bells palsy), strokes and congenital differences such as Moebius Syndrome, Craniofacial Microsomia and C.H.A.R.G.E Syndrome.

Brow lift Cross face nerve graft Face lift Functional free muscle flap Gold eyelid weight Local muscle transfers Masseter-to-facial nerve transfer Mid-face lift Myectomy Nerve grafts Temporalis muscle transfers Hypoglossal nerve transfers Digastric muscle transfer Botox

Innovative surgical techniques are now available to restore the paralyzed face. The goals of facial paralysis surgery include protecting the eye, preventing drooling and re-establishing facial symmetry both in motion and at rest.

The surgical approach is customized to the individual patient and is influenced by the cause and duration of the paralysis along with the condition of the facial nerve.

The use of advanced surgical techniques carefully tailored to the individual can provide a meaningful recovery for many patients living with facial paralysis.

Smile Restoration with the Masseter to Facial Nerve Transfer View More Smile Restoration Videos