Smile Surgery for Facial Paralysis

Facial paralysis is a life-changing condition that can affect not only smiling, but all facial movements that express emotions and communication. This special procedure, known as smile surgery, helps individuals with facial paralysis regain facial movements and improve their quality of life. If you want to have detailed information about this procedure, you can have detailed information by browsing our content. We wish you all healthy days and good reading.

What is 5-7 Nerve Transfer Smile Reanimation?

Smile revitalization with 5-7 nerve transfer is a specialized surgical procedure performed to restore lost smile function in patients with facial paralysis. In this procedure, the functional parts of the 5th cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve) or the 7th cranial nerve (facial nerve), which is an intact nerve source, are used to re-stimulate the muscles that perform basic facial movements such as smiling. In this process, the surgeon connects these healthy nerves to the facial muscles with microsurgical techniques to activate the dysfunctional nerves and muscles. These connected nerves provide a new nerve conduction to the facial muscles and regain the ability to control smiling and other facial movements. As a result, the patient's quality of life improves and increases both aesthetically and functionally.

How to Perform Smile Reanimation with Nerve Transfer

Nerve transfer smile reanimation is an advanced microsurgical procedure to restore smile function lost due to facial paralysis. This advanced microsurgical procedure is performed by reconnecting an intact nerve, usually a branch from the 5th cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve) or the 7th cranial nerve (facial nerve), to the damaged muscles of the face. Thus, in the first step, the surgeon selects the appropriate nerve source and carefully transplants it to the recipient muscle groups. Afterwards, the muscles that provide dynamic movements of the face, such as smiling, are gradually stimulated. However, in the absence of stimulation, if damaged or weakened muscles need support, a functional muscle such as the gracilis is transferred from another area and added to the facial muscles. As a result, the natural smile function is gradually restored and the patient's facial symmetry is greatly improved.

What to Expect During 5-7 Nerve Transfer Smile Reanimation

In smile revitalization with 5-7 nerve transfer, patients can usually expect to gradually regain their smile function. In this context, an intact nerve (usually the 5th cranial nerve - the trigeminal nerve - or the 7th cranial nerve - the facial nerve) is transferred and connected to the damaged nerve area to restore smile movement to the patient's facial muscles. In the first few weeks after the procedure, there may be slight swelling, numbness or tenderness in the facial area. However, this is quite normal. There is no need to worry.

It takes time for the nerve transfer to take effect, for the new nerve to fully adapt to the muscles and trigger movement. However, this process is expected to start gradually improving the smile and other facial movements within approximately 3 to 6 months. In this process, the person begins to gradually recover to a symmetrical and healthy facial appearance.

What Procedures Does Smile Operation with Nerve Transfer Include?

Nerve transfer smile surgery involves a series of surgical procedures for patients who have lost basic facial movements such as smiling due to facial paralysis or nerve damage. This operation is usually performed by diverting an intact and functional nerve to the damaged area of the face. In the first step, the surgeon identifies a healthy nerve source. The 5th cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve) or the 7th cranial nerve (facial nerve) is then analyzed for its source and this nerve source is guided with microsurgical techniques to reconnect with the damaged nerve. In some cases, muscle transfer procedures such as gracilis muscle transfer are added to restore the functionality of the facial muscles. The transferred nerve is then left for a certain period of time to adapt to the new muscle fibers and help the facial muscles move, and the nerve is expected to heal. At this point, facial exercises and physiotherapy applications are recommended to regain facial movements such as smiling with nerve transfer. Thus, the patient regains a more natural appearance by regaining other facial expressions, especially the smile.

Advantages of Nerve Transfer Smile Procedure

There are many advantages that the nerve transfer smile procedure provides to the person. One of these advantages is that it helps to increase the self-confidence of the person. In this context, if we need to examine the advantages provided by the Nerve Transfer Smile Procedure in detail;

• The nerve transfer procedure offers a natural smile and facial expression in individuals with permanent facial paralysis or nerve damage.
• Nerve transfer surgery helps to preserve natural facial expressions in the long term by offering a permanent treatment instead of temporary solutions.
• It provides a more balanced and symmetrical facial expression by correcting the asymmetrical appearance caused by facial paralysis.
• It restores control and mobility of the facial muscles through the use of healthy nerves, making other facial movements more effective.
• The procedure both aesthetically and functionally reworks the facial muscles, giving a more natural look and expression.
• Individuals who regain their smile function feel more comfortable in social environments as their self-confidence increases.
• Muscles are strengthened with physical therapy and facial exercises. This helps to restore facial expressions in a short time.
• Restoring the smile and facial movements gives individuals a younger, dynamic and energetic appearance.
• Nerve transfer using microsurgical techniques offers a safe option with a low risk of infection.
• It allows the face to move more naturally by restoring other facial expressions besides smiling.

Things to Consider After Nerve Transfer Smile Procedure

As with all facial paralysis operations, there are some points to be considered after the nerve transfer smile procedure. By paying attention to these points, you can get extra efficiency from the procedure. These points are as follows;

• A balanced diet rich in protein is important to support the body's healing process.
• Alcohol and smoking should be avoided after the procedure. Otherwise, the healing process may slow down or the risk of infection may increase.
• Heavy lifting should be avoided for the first few weeks. Strenuous physical exercises should also be avoided.
• To reduce swelling, a cold compress can be applied to the operated area as recommended by the doctor.
• Since it may take several months for the full effect of the surgery to be seen, facial movements such as smiling are expected to improve over time during the healing process.
• Regularly attending follow-up appointments and following the doctor's recommendations will ensure that recovery continues in a healthy manner. For this reason, follow-up appointments should not be neglected.
• The surgical area should be kept clean and dry. This way, a faster healing process can be experienced.
• Postoperative dressings need to be changed regularly for the specified period.

Who Does the 5-7 Nerve Transfer Smile Revitalization Procedure Involve?

The 5-7 nerve transfer smile revitalization procedure is a general operation that covers several groups in general. This group has common features. These features are individuals who have permanent nerve damage on their face in general terms. If we need to discuss these individuals in detail;

• People with Facial Paralysis: Individuals who have permanent facial paralysis or have lost nerve functions are among the candidates for 5-7 nerve transfer procedures to gain a natural smile. By having the nerve transfer smile procedure, these individuals get rid of the physical consequences of facial paralysis.
• People with Congenital or Childhood Nerve Damage: This procedure can be applied for people who have facial nerve damage at birth or during childhood and who have lost facial expressions such as smiling. In this way, they can regain their facial expressions and smile comfortably.
• Nerve Damage After Trauma or Surgical Intervention: Patients who have suffered permanent damage to their facial nerves due to accidents or some surgical procedures may also be eligible for 5-7 nerve transfer. After this procedure, the nerve damage can be treated and they can regain their lost facial expressions, especially their smile function.
• Those who want to correct facial asymmetry: People who have asymmetry on one side of the face due to facial paralysis and who cannot make movements such as smiling can apply for this surgery to achieve the symmetry and balance provided by this procedure. Thus, after the surgery, individuals can regain a more symmetrical facial appearance and renew their self-confidence.
• Patients who do not respond to other treatments: The 5-7 nerve transfer method is recommended for people who do not benefit from physical therapy, botox or other temporary solutions and are looking for a permanent solution. Thus, they can reach a permanent solution.

If you have not received a response from other treatment methods and want to have a flawless facial appearance, you can have a preliminary consultation with Doctor Berke Özücer and experience a facial paralysis treatment process for a comfortable smile.